Introduction
 |
[click image to expand to full size] - This image opens a chart that shows various poverty-related statistics
|
Poverty is a global phenomenon. No matter where you go, individuals living in absolute poverty will never be far away. With the exception of the OECD countries- highly industrialized countries such as the United States and Britain - extreme poverty exists in practically every country on earth. In 2001 (it is difficult to conduct poverty headcounts on a regular basis because of the immensity of the undertaking), 2.7 billion people were living on less than $2 a day, and 1.1 billion people were living on under $1 a day.
Poverty, however, does not affect every region of the world equally. Some regions, such as sub-Saharan Africa, are completely devastated by poverty, while others, such as Latin America, are not affected to the same degree.
Top
Poverty, however, does not affect every region of the world equally. Some regions, such as sub-Saharan Africa, are completely devastated by poverty, while others, such as Latin America, are not affected to the same degree.
Top
Latin America
There are approximately 534 million people living in the Latin American/Caribbean area. Of these, 132 million live on less than $2 a day, and 57 million live on less than $1 a day. However, the situation is improving - Latin America is experiencing high economic growth as demand for its products increases. Unfortunately, though the region is making progress, Latin America is one of the most unequal regions. A World Bank research team investigating inequality in the area found that "the richest one-tenth of the population of Latin America and the Caribbean earn 48 percent of total income, while the poorest tenth earn only 1.6 percent."
Some quick facts about poverty in Latin America.
East Europe and Central Asia
Eastern Europe and Central Asia - home to many former Soviet republics - have a population of around 471 million people. 20.3%, or 97 million, live on less than $2 a day, and 24 million live on less than $1 a day. The situation is rapidly improving in these countries, however. Many are being accepted into the European Union, and the region's economy is growing steadily. From 1999 to 2003, 40 million people escaped poverty. The nations of Eastern Europe and Central Asia are sometimes regarded as 'transitioning' countries: while they are lagging in poverty alleviation and human development now, they are expected to close this gap within a few decades.
Top
Top
Sub-Saharan Africa
There is no place where extreme poverty is more evident than sub-Saharan Africa. Almost 50% of the population live on under $1 a day - the highest rate of extreme poverty in the world. Thirty-two of the 48 poorest countries are located in this region, which is plagued by conflicts, lack of functional governments, and terrible diseases such as HIV/AIDS and malaria. Sub-Saharan Africa is one of the few places that is not making progress on the Millennium Development Goals - the number of impoverished people has doubled since 1981 - and is perhaps the most important region in the fight against poverty.
Some quick facts about poverty in sub-Saharan Africa.
North Africa and Middle East
About 23% of the population in North Africa and the Middle East live on less than $2 a day, but only 2.2% (six million people) live on under $1 a day - very different from its neighboring regions in the south (sub-Saharan Africa) and the east (Southeast Asia). However, many of the economies in the region are based almost completely on one product - oil - and must diversify to increase living standards. Also, there is a high rate of unemployment, andgender equality in education is lacking.
Top
Top
Southeast Asia
After sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia is probably the worst-off region when it comes to poverty. According the World Bank, "the region accounts for approximately half of the world’s poor." Of a population of 1.3 billion, 85% live on less than $2 a day. That means that over one billion people in Southeast Asia alone live on less than $2 a day. The region also has one of the highest illiteracyrates in the world.
Some quick facts about poverty in Southeast Asia.
Eastern Asia and Pacific
The East Asia/Pacific region is home to 1.8-2 billion people, making it one of the most populous regions on earth. About 50% of the population lives on less than $2 a day. Due mainly to huge economic and social advances by China, however, the number of impoverished people in the region has dropped greatly in recent years, and continues to improve, even as the overall population continues to grow.
Some quick facts about poverty in Eastern Asia.
source: A Dollar a Day
No comments:
Post a Comment