JOSEPH/Xinhua
The percentage of households in poverty in Costa Rica decreased from 21.8 to 18 percent in the last year, according to data revealed today Tuesday by the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INEC).
That 18 percent represents the lowest level of poverty since 2010, managing to reduce the indicator below 20 percent, a goal that the country had tried to achieve without success for a long time.
According to official figures, there are currently 327,081 households in poverty in Costa Rica, which means a reduction of 63,428 compared to the previous year.
Extreme poverty also experienced a significant decrease, going from 6.3 percent in 2023 to 4.8 percent this year, which is equivalent to 86,748 households in this situation.
As for rural areas, average poverty fell from 26.4 to 21.1 percent, while in urban areas the decrease was from 21.1 to 16.4 percent.
By region, the Central region, which includes San José and the main cities of the country, reduced its poverty level from 17 to 12.8 percent, while the Brunca region, in the southeast of the country, bordering Panama, continues to be the most affected, with 30.6 percent.
According to INEC, this reduction in poverty is largely due to the 6.7 percent increase in average household income, which is currently around $2,174 per month.
“These results are irrefutable proof that the decisions we have made in this Government have been correct, that the route that (the president) Don Rodrigo (Chaves Robles) outlined for us of prioritizing those who need it most is the correct one so that this country overcomes the scourge of poverty and inequality,” commented the Minister of Human Development and Social Inclusion, Yorleny León, through a statement from the Presidency.
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