Updated review of poverty in Latin America

In this edition of the Social Panorama of Latin America, the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) provides an update on the magnitude and trends of poverty and related factors. Section A of this chapter analyses the evolution of poverty and extreme poverty since 2002, and it reviews recent trends in both indicators in the individual countries, based on the corresponding national estimates. Section B then describes how poverty has affected certain population groups depending on gender, age and area of residence. It then examines some of the factors driving poverty trends and analyses the impact of changes in average household income and its distribution and the changes observed in the different components of income in households in situations of poverty. In keeping with the central theme of this edition of the Social Panorama of Latin America, section D analyses the sufficiency of labour income and pensions as multiples of the poverty line; and it also reviews the effects of the levels of each type of income on the situation of poverty and extreme poverty. The chapter closes with a brief methodological annex on updating ECLAC poverty estimates.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Gender Equality

Reduced Inequalities

Sustainable Cities and Communities