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USAID Programs in Mauritania

USAID Programs in MauritaniaMauritania in West Africa is one of the most arid countries on earth. Recurrent droughts push communities into food insecurity and only a fraction of the land is suitable for farming. For rural populations in regions like Guidimaka, simply growing enough food to survive the dry season is a daily struggle. USAID programs in Mauritania worked to change that, through emergency relief, but also by investing in youth employment and good governance programs to increase the capacity of Mauritania to sustain itself. Following the dismantling of USAID in 2025, much of that work now faces an uncertain future. Understanding what these programs achieved matters, as a record of progress and as a reminder of what is at stake.

Mauritania is a vast nation of approximately 5.3 million people in West Africa. Only 0.4% of its land is suitable for agriculture and more than 590,000 people face acute malnutrition during the 2025 lean season alone. Instability in neighboring countries has also deepened the crisis. In addition, Mauritania now hosts 288,000 refugees. This has placed additional pressure on already stretched food and resource supplies.

Feeding Refugees at Mbera Camp

In February 2024, USAID’s Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance contributed $5 million to the World Food Programme (WFP) to deliver urgent relief to Malian refugees at the Mbera camp in eastern Mauritania. This aid reached 65,000 food-insecure refugees through cash assistance, while 4,000 malnourished children under the age of 5 and 350 pregnant and breastfeeding women received more specialized, nutritious care.

The results from previous years demonstrate what these investments can achieve. In 2023, WFP reached around 83,400 refugees in the camp with monthly cash distributions, supported by USAID and other donors. Following cuts to USAID, the United States government is still providing food aid through the WFP, meaning these vulnerable communities will still be receiving support.

Investing in Young People

According to UNESCO, “more than 60% of Mauritania’s population is under 25.” Youth unemployment among 15 to 24-year-olds stands at an estimated 23%. USAID’s Nafoore initiative, meaning “add value” in the Fulani language, tackled this directly. The five-year $17 million program, which began in 2022, focused on building economic skills and expanding income opportunities for people aged 15-29 in vulnerable communities.

Alongside Nafoore, USAID also funded the Tamkeen project, meaning “empowerment” in Arabic. This is a $7 million, five-year initiative implemented by FHI 360, a global nonprofit organization aimed at improving public health and human development. Tamkeen built networks of youth and community groups across eight regions of Mauritania, created safe spaces for young people to develop leadership skills and worked to counter the spread of disinformation. Altogether, these two programs represented a serious, long-term investment aimed at improving the country’s next generation.

Strengthening Democracy

USAID programs also supported efforts to strengthen democratic institutions in Mauritania. The Kofo Sugande project, meaning “People’s Choice,” was funded by USAID and implemented by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems. This project supported Mauritania’s national electoral commission ahead of its 2023 general elections and the 2024 presidential election, making both more inclusive and accessible to voters. Its long-term aim was to strengthen Mauritania’s capacity to run credible elections independently.

The Cost of Losing This Support

The breadth of USAID programs in Mauritania, spanning emergency relief, food security, youth empowerment, civic engagement and democratic governance, shows how interconnected all of these programs were. Each addressed a different root cause of poverty and instability, and they all reinforced each other.

In 2025, the dismantling of USAID brought many of these programs to a halt. For a country like Mauritania, where the need is acute and homegrown resources are limited, the consequences are serious. The progress made at Mbera camp, in youth centers across different regions and in electoral commissions across the country did not happen by accident. It was the result of consistent, targeted support. Without it, the communities that relied on these programs will be left more exposed and vulnerable than before. Thankfully, through the WFP the U.S. government will still provide food aid to Mauritania, helping those facing food insecurity and malnutrition.

– Gonzalo Rodriguez Da Fonte Martins

Gonzalo is based in London, UK and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Being Poor in Singapore

Being Poor in SingaporeMany people know Singapore from the movie “Crazy Rich Asians,” and the movie itself is not far off from what Singapore looks like and how it operates. Singapore is a country off the coast of Malaysia, with a population of almost six million people.

As a country, Singapore developed significantly, with older portions of the city being transformed. Older Malay kampong houses are beginning to disappear with buildings from the Housing and Development Board (known as HDBs) replacing them instead.

Singapore’s population is multicultural and diverse. With Hindu temples nestled amongst Chinatown, the nation prides itself on religious toleration and multiculturalism.

While Singapore seems ideal and almost-perfect, poverty does still exist. Around 3% of Singapore’s population live in absolute poverty, meaning that their household income is less than the pre-determined level (“minimum income standard” in Singapore is $1,680). Being poor in Singapore makes it difficult for them to gain basic necessities, like food, water, shelter and more.

Affordability in Singapore

While International Citizens Insurance ranks Singapore as one of the most expensive countries to live in, there are affordable options in Singapore. HDBs, mentioned earlier, are Singapore’s public housing, and around 80% of the population live in these buildings. Hawker centers earn Michelin stars in Singapore for their renowned dishes, but people also know them for being very affordable.

Minorities Affected in Singapore

Minorities that are most affected include low-wage workers (who make up “60% of Singaporeans living in poverty”), unemployed and underemployed people, elderly (especially older women). However, one should note that these numbers do not include migrant workers. Although poverty may not be completely visible, there are certain minorities that struggle more than others, including rough sleepers and migrant workers.

Rough sleepers in Singapore are “individuals who sleep in public spaces” (excluding whether they have housing or not). CNA states that not all who are homeless sleep rough. Despite half of rough sleepers (around 47%) having a home, 20% of rough sleepers have financial struggles while 29% have trouble “securing or maintaining housing.”

Moreover, Singapore’s migrant workers often get low-wages yet have “labor-intensive jobs.” Despite their work to develop the country, they do not receive the same access to healthcare. Workers often have their “healthcare declined” or managed by their employers. According to one study, people in Singapore may believe that migrant workers “threaten the country’s culture and heritage.”

The same study stated that only a small majority of the public support the idea of giving maternity leave to migrant women. And only a small number of people supported providing equal wages to women migrant workers working the same job as women nationals.

Rising Cost of Living in Singapore

Households are becoming less prepared for the future and financial resilience is decreasing due to increasing costs of living in Singapore. The monthly cost of living in Singapore is around $2,560, and the numbers can increase if an individual is married or has kids (because of including other necessary payments like insurance). Since 2000, the cost of HDB resale apartments have also increased by 168.6%.

Solutions in Singapore

The experience of minorities combined with rising living costs proves to be a challenge, but the country has taken measures to alleviate the issue of being poor in Singapore. For instance, the Ministry of Social and Family Development will provide $450,000 to help organizations combat homelessness; applications for this fund (called Partnerships to Tackle Homelessness or PATH) opened on April 1st, 2026 to help organizations find “trial solutions that address the underlying causes of rough sleeping.” 

Furthermore, HealthServe, a nonprofit for migrant workers, was finally able to secure the now-mandatory Primary Care Plan (a plan that “aims to provide eligible workers with accessible and affordable healthcare”) after years of advocacy. The Primary Care Plan took effect on April 1st 2022 and more than 490,000 migrant workers are enrolled in this plan. While language, employer support and mental health support are obstacles yet to overcome, Singapore has made progress in these areas.

Looking Ahead

Singapore isn’t a perfect country, and there are still minorities who struggle with being poor in Singapore. However, with the help of local NGOs and government intervention, these problems are slowly being alleviated, and these small steps will ultimately lead to a better environment for everyone.

– Sahana Sundar

Sahana is based in Singapore and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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7 Things To Know About Being Poor in Puerto Rico

Being Poor in Puerto RicoBehind the vibrant culture, Caribbean architecture and the pristine, turquoise waters of the island of Puerto Rico, there lies the truth that more than one-third of its residents live in poverty, making it the poorest U.S. jurisdiction by a wide margin. While the causes are complex, poverty on the island is closely tied to economic, political and historical factors that continue to shape daily life. Here are seven things to know about being poor in Puerto Rico.

1. Poverty’s Roots in US Colonialism

Conditions of poverty have roots in U.S. colonialism. After the United States acquired the territory in the 1898 Spanish-American War, Puerto Rico’s economy transformed into a sugarcane monoculture, primarily through colonial restructuring. U.S. corporations like South Porto Rico Sugar Company and Central Aguirre Sugar Company capitalized on inexpensive Puerto Rican land and labor, consolidating localized, biodiverse farms into massive, industrial sugarcane plantations to satisfy U.S. market demand. This shift led to Puerto Rico’s reliance on mainland U.S. food imports, whose costs were artificially inflated by the Jones Act (officially the Merchant Marine Act of 1920), which required that all goods shipped between U.S. ports be carried on U.S.-built, owned, and operated vessels. Initial colonial exploitation of Puerto Rican resources by the United States set a precedent for ongoing and aggravated conditions of poverty in the territory.

2. Poverty and Unemployment in Puerto Rico

At 43%, Puerto Rico has one of the lowest labor force participation rates in the world, according to The World Bank’s report for 2025. This is significantly lower than the United States, which the World Bank reported at 62%, and the global average of roughly 60%. According to Liberty Street Economics, the decline is “the consequence of an aging population, accelerated by a falling birth rate and outmigration of a relatively young cohort.” These vulnerabilities place considerable strain on the island’s economy, effectively limiting economic growth and increasing the likelihood that families will experience being poor in Puerto Rico.

3. Puerto Rico is the Poorest Jurisdiction of the US

Under the U.S. government’s definition of a persistently poor county as one having maintained poverty rates of 20% or more for at least 30 years, all 78 municipios (county equivalents) of Puerto Rico have experienced persistent poverty, and as The Center for Puerto Rican Studies at Hunter College has stated, have done so “for more than half a century.” Additionally, the poverty rate in Puerto Rico at 37.2% is disproportionately higher than that of even the poorest U.S. states. Mississippi, the poorest U.S. state, has a poverty rate of 14.3%, while Louisiana, the second poorest, has a rate of 14.1%. In contrast, Puerto Rico’s poverty rate is more than twice as high, demonstrating a level of economic hardship unmatched anywhere in the 50 states.

4. Cost of Living Burdens in Puerto Rico

Cost of living burdens in Puerto Rico are higher or as high as they are in U.S. states. The median household income in the United States for 2024 was $83,730, compared to $26,297 in Puerto Rico. It is important to note that this disparity does not reflect lower costs of living in Puerto Rico. The Congressional Research Service reported that, on average in the United States, 49.4% of renter households were housing cost-burdened in 2024, while in Puerto Rico, nearly 72% of renters were housing cost burdened, highlighting the substantial affordability challenges faced by many residents despite significantly lower incomes. Taken together, these figures demonstrate that Puerto Ricans often face both lower earnings and greater housing insecurity, increasing their risk of poverty.

5. Gentrification and the Displacement of Indigenous Puerto Ricans

U.S. citizens relocating to Puerto Rico has led to gentrification and the displacement of indigenous Puerto Ricans. Puerto Rico’s Act 60 (also known as the Incentives Code), which the Puerto Rican government enacted on July 1, 2019, is a comprehensive tax incentive program designed to attract investors, entrepreneurs and businesses to the island. It established a 0% tax on capital gains accrued after becoming a bona fide resident (both for Puerto Rico and U.S. federal taxes), a 100% tax exemption on dividends and interest sourced from Puerto Rico, and 75% exemption on property taxes for a primary residence. Over the combined 2022 and 2023 period, Business Insider reported that 50,577 Americans relocated to the island. This has led to significant and ongoing gentrification in the territory, along with the displacement of local Boricuas due to increasingly unaffordable housing and diminishing purchasing power.

6. Economic Development Policies in PR

The exhausted state of economic development policies in Puerto Rico has critically affected conditions of poverty. Puerto Rico’s persistently high poverty rate has also been exacerbated by the failure of existing economic development policies to generate sufficient employment opportunities. For decades, the territory relied on an export-oriented economic model supported by federal tax incentives that encouraged U.S. corporations to invest and create jobs. However, the expiration of Section 936 of the Internal Revenue Code in 2006 removed many of these incentives, contributing to a prolonged economic decline from which Puerto Rico has yet to fully recover. Subsequent federal interventions, particularly the PROMESA fiscal oversight board established in 2016, imposed austerity measures that reduced public spending and disproportionately affected low-income residents. As economic growth stagnated and job creation lagged, poverty remained deeply entrenched across the island.

7. Federal Funding Parity and Political Self-Determination

Federal funding parity and political self-determination in the focus of active legislative efforts in the 119th Congress could incite positive change. Several initiatives in the 119th Congress seek to address both the structural causes and the urgent realities of being poor in Puerto Rico. The Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act (H.R. 5168/S. 3958) would extend SNAP benefits to the territory, reducing disparities in federal nutrition assistance and strengthening support for low-income families.

The Puerto Rico Status Act would establish a binding process for Puerto Ricans to determine the island’s future political status, potentially giving residents a stronger voice in federal decision-making and greater influence over policies affecting economic development and public welfare. Additionally, ongoing efforts to reform PROMESA seek to restore greater fiscal authority to Puerto Rico’s elected government and reduce reliance on federally imposed austerity measures. These initiatives aim to provide both immediate economic relief and greater local control over the policies that shape conditions of life in Puerto Rico.

Looking Ahead

Poverty in Puerto Rico is not the result of a single issue, but rather a combination of historical, economic and political factors that have compounded over generations. As Congress considers measures such as the Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act, reforms to PROMESA and the Puerto Rico Status Act, policymakers have an opportunity to address both the immediate needs of Puerto Rican families and the structural conditions that sustain poverty. Continued advocacy and legislative action will be essential to creating a more equitable future for the island.

– Nilani Mathur

Nilani is based in Longmeadow, MA, USA and focuses on Business and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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How High Living Costs in Bonaire Strain Working Families

High Living Costs in BonaireHigh living costs in Bonaire have become a daily problem for many individuals residing on the Dutch Caribbean island. Despite Bonaire being a special municipality of the Netherlands, many working-class residents still struggle to afford necessities for themselves and their families. Statistics Netherlands reported that 20% of Bonaire’s residents experienced difficulty making ends meet, while 25% of children under the age of 18 were at risk of poverty in 2022. 

Housing Costs Leave Little Room To Breathe

Housing has become one of the most obvious ways in which high living costs in Bonaire have affected daily life. A Dutch government advisory report from 2023 stated that the high cost of living on the island is partially due to the lack of substantial housing and that these costs particularly impact low-income people. The same report stated that Bonaire had 565 public-sector housing units available and around 1,000 families on the waiting list.

This leaves many lower-income residents dependent on an expensive private rental market or living in crowded multigenerational households. For working families, this can mean paying too much for rent while also giving up privacy, stability and peace of mind.

Food and Transport Turn Essentials Into Financial Stress

High living costs in Bonaire do not end with rent. The government’s advisory committee also found that almost all the food and drinks consumed in Bonaire are imported from other places, mainly the Netherlands, keeping their prices very high. Statistics Netherlands reported that the prices of goods in Bonaire were 36% higher in 2024 than in 2010, while food and non-alcoholic beverage prices were 51% higher than over a decade ago.

Transportation also adds another layer of pressure. The same government report stated that there is no public transportation on the island, meaning residents across income levels are often forced to rely on private options. For low-income families, this leads to consequences such as having to pay back costly loans, depending on rides from others and having fewer opportunities to work, receive education and run daily errands.

Work Does Not Always Protect Families From the Poverty Trap

High living costs in Bonaire are especially problematic, as many residents are employed in sectors that offer modest wages. CBS reported in late 2024 that average wages in Bonaire were lower than in neighboring islands such as Sint Eustatius and Saba during the 2011–2022 period. A large number of jobs in Bonaire pay close to or at the statutory minimum wage, especially in tourism-related, retail, construction and manufacturing industries.

Beginning in July 2024, the statutory minimum wage on these three Dutch Caribbean islands was $1,751 per month. Even with this increase, families facing high rents, transport costs and rising grocery bills find that full-time work leaves little money left for savings. Consumer goods and services in Bonaire were also 5.3% more expensive in the second quarter of 2025 compared with 2024, indicating that price pressure has not been fully resolved.

Dutch Measures and Local Housing Efforts Offer Some Relief

The responses that could help alleviate these severe pressures are still in development, but there are signs of improvement. CBS reported that minimum wages and social benefits in the Dutch Caribbean have been systematically increased at a rate exceeding inflation to help low-income families keep up with the rising cost of living. Housing is another area where officials are making progress, with the Executive Council of Bonaire and Hugo de Jonge, Minister for Housing and Spatial Planning, signing the housing deal for Bonaire in 2023.

The housing deal aims to deliver 2,124 affordable homes by 2030. About $11.7 million has been allocated for the first tranche (installment), which will fund the construction of the first 600 homes, including infrastructure, beginning in 2025. The 2023 advisory report also pointed out rental subsidy measures in Bonaire that have already reduced rent costs for some families. 

These efforts will not solve the problem overnight. However, they show that Dutch and locally based institutions are under pressure to respond with more than just temporary promises.

Conclusion

High living costs in Bonaire are not an issue that will disappear quickly, especially on an island where factors such as imported goods, limited housing and car dependence shape everyday life. Still, recent wage increases, subsidy efforts and affordable housing plans suggest that relief is possible if these measures continue and expand. For working families on Bonaire, real progress depends on whether policy changes can make ordinary necessities feel manageable again rather than out of reach.

– Ashirah Newton

Ashirah is based in Brooklyn, NY and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Surviving Poverty in Pakistan

Poverty in PakistanWhen Maryam was a little girl, she loved going to school.

“As I grew up, I became more fond of studying,” Maryam told The Borgen Project. “I thought that I would become a teacher, doctor, anything — but that I would study for sure.”

When Maryam was in fifth grade, she stopped going to school to work as a maid and help support her parents and three younger siblings. Her mother wanted her to continue her education, but her father did not think it was feasible.

“The circumstances did not allow it, so I had to stop studying,” she said. “There was no other adult to help out. I was the eldest. I saw that the situation at home was difficult, so I started working on my own.”

Now, Maryam is 26 and works as a maid for three households in Karachi, Pakistan. She lives with her husband, whom she married at 17, and their 4-year-old son in a small one-room apartment that has no gas, a leaky roof and a bathroom with no ceiling and a curtain as a door.

Poverty in Pakistan

Every month, Maryam earns Rs 30,000, equivalent to $150. Including her husband’s income as a rickshaw driver, there is just enough to cover their rent of Rs 15,000, rickshaw installment of Rs 20,000 and their son’s school fees and gas cylinder, both Rs 5,000, along with other monthly household expenses.

Maryam said she used to purchase groceries such as flour, sugar, oil, tea leaves, salt and pepper on a monthly basis for up to Rs 15,000, not including staples like rice or lentils. Currently, she buys her groceries in small amounts every day because it is cheaper.

For those living in poverty in Pakistan, sticking to a tight budget forces them to make sacrifices. When her son started school, Maryam said she sold her phone to pay for his uniform, school bag and stationery on top of tuition fees. She also recently purchased a small fridge for Rs 50,000, which cut into her budget for new Eid clothes, even though one of her employers loaned her Rs 37,000 to help pay for it.

“You have to kill your wishes,” Maryam said. “If I have an interest in something, then I have to look after the house first…either the child or the house, nothing else.”

She said her household usually runs well with her income, but she never has money left at the end of the month.

“I get really angry because I work for the whole month and as soon as some money comes into my hands, it all gets spent,” Maryam said. “If I had my own house, I would not have to pay rent or if I had my own rickshaw, I would have saved some of my income. But no, I never have any savings.”

Rising Cost of Living

Sometimes Maryam picks up extra cleaning jobs after work to pay for new shoes, clothes and educational expenses for her child.

“I work in three houses and I am not saving, so I feel like I should work more. But with time, I am losing my strength. I have been doing this work for so long, I get tired,” she said.

When Maryam managed to save some money, she put a down payment of Rs 120,000 on a 120-acre plot of land with the hope of owning a house and started paying monthly installments totaling Rs 170,000. However, she later found out that five other people were also paying for the same property. Although she was refunded her down payment, she lost the money she put toward the installments. Maryam said she did not pursue legal action, even if it would be free, because she is afraid someone will come after her family.

Another time, Maryam spent Rs 150,000 on a hysterectomy operation for her mother. The procedure required confirmation from an MRI scan, which costs Rs 16,000, an expense her family could not afford. Eventually, one doctor was willing to perform the surgery based on the results of an ultrasound.

Lack of Fair Pay

Maryam said her family only knows two professions: maid or rickshaw driver. The same applies to her relatives who completed their education at the matric, or 10th-grade, level.

“The boys are well-educated, but they still drive a rickshaw and the girls are also well-educated, but they still work,” she said. “It is very difficult to find a job in Pakistan.”

After Maryam married, she pursued a long-time interest and learned beauty work at a salon. Even then, she could not land a job because she had only one year of experience in the field. As a maid, Maryam completes various household tasks, including sweeping, mopping, dusting, ironing clothes, cooking, washing dishes and cleaning bathrooms.

One of her employers pays her Rs 9,000 per month, but Maryam said it should be closer to Rs 15,000 based on the size of the house. Another employer pays her Rs 7,000 per month when it should be Rs 18,000 given the workload. Once, Maryam mentioned her low pay to one of her employers but was told that someone else would do the work for less.

Poor Treatment

Maryam said the most challenging part of her job is not the work itself but tolerating insults from her employers.

“Everyone scolds me…. When people scold me, it makes me feel bad,” she said. “I cannot say anything. I stay quiet. I just cry.”

Whenever her employers feel she did not adequately complete a chore, Maryam said they require her to redo it without paying for the extra work.

“They are not paying me for free, nor am I working for free, so why should I have to listen to so many scoldings?” she said. “I am a human being too.”

Maryam said she does not share these struggles with her husband anymore because he would stop her from working, but her income keeps the peace in her home and pays for her child’s education.

Benazir Income Support Program

Maryam said many people in her husband’s family receive financial assistance from the government through the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP). Families living in poverty in Pakistan are eligible for this assistance if they have a monthly salary of less than Rs 50,000.

Every four months, qualified recipients receive Rs 13,000 in cash, which accounts for Rs 3,250 per month. To register, an individual brings their National Identity Card and children’s Child Registration Certificate to a BISP office and fills out a survey to complete the application, which is free.

However, Maryam said she has not signed up because it would be difficult for her to collect the payments. The address on her National Identity Card is for her family’s home in her village, not where she lives and works in Karachi.

“It costs Rs 3,000 to go to the village and again Rs 3,000 to come back. There is no point,” she said.

She was also told that registering for the program is expensive and lengthy. Maryam said her family members paid someone Rs 20,000 to collect their documents and enroll on their behalf. That person also pocketed the first payment her relatives received.

Saverya Foundation UK

Saverya Foundation, United Kingdom (U.K.), is a women’s empowerment charity that provides shelter and training to women living in poverty in Pakistan. Maryam said she may have heard of it but has not used its services.

The organization’s goal is to help women become financially independent by building skills that will allow them to work or start their own business from home. These skills range from computer education to beauty work, sewing, stitching and embroidery. The charity has helped more than 10,000 women in Pakistan.

The Future for Maryam

Maryam said that whenever she comes home tired from a long day at work, she often thinks about opening her own food stall.

“I really want to cook,” she said. “It is better than doing this job. I have to listen to everyone’s scolding here, but I will not have to [over] there. It will be my own work.”

As for her son, Maryam is determined that he stay in school.

“Whatever degree he wants to study, whatever it is, I will make sure that he can do it,” she said. “I could not fulfill my dreams, but my son will fulfill his.”

– Umaymah Suhail

Umaymah is based in Karachi, Pakistan and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Umaymah Suhail

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Elderly Poverty in Slovenia

Elderly Poverty in SloveniaElderly poverty in Slovenia is becoming an increasingly pressing issue, despite the country’s reputation for strong social protection systems. A significant number of older adults struggle to afford necessities such as food, housing and health care due to rising living costs, population aging and limited pensions.

Pensions and Income Insecurity Among Older Adults

Most older people in Slovenia rely on their pensions as their primary source of income. However, they frequently do not keep up with inflation and rising living costs. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) reports that many workers in Slovenia have net pension replacement rates below the OECD average, leaving retirees vulnerable to income instability.

Women, who frequently have interrupted work histories and lower lifetime earnings, are disproportionately affected by lower pensions. After retirement, the likelihood of falling into poverty rises sharply. According to the Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia, older individuals in Slovenia are more likely than the general population to experience poverty or social exclusion.

Due to fixed incomes and limited access to informal support networks, older single-person households are more likely to face financial strain.

Rising Living Costs and Housing Pressure

Poverty among older adults in Slovenia has worsened due to rising housing and energy costs. Although many seniors live in privately owned homes, they often struggle to pay for utilities, maintenance and heating. Income poverty and material deprivation are closely linked.

Eurostat reports that a significant share of Slovenia’s population cannot keep their homes warm enough. Older people with limited incomes are also heavily burdened by health care costs. Despite Slovenia’s universal health care system, long-term care services and prescription drugs can be costly.

Generally, older people with lower incomes are more likely to delay or forgo medical treatment due to financial constraints, increasing health risks and deepening poverty.

Social Isolation and Hidden Poverty

In Slovenia, social isolation and poverty among older people are closely related. Reduced social engagement is common among older adults with low incomes, which can worsen mental health outcomes and increase vulnerability. According to a European Commission report, poverty and insufficient income support are closely linked to social exclusion among older populations.

Policies and Programs Addressing Elderly Poverty

Energy subsidies for low-income households, social assistance supplements and minimum pension schemes are some of the policies the Slovenian government has implemented to reduce elderly poverty. Although there are still gaps for those with limited pension entitlements, the European Commission claims that these social transfers play a significant role in reducing poverty risks among older adults.

Long-term investments in adequate pensions, affordable health care and targeted social support are necessary to address elderly poverty in Slovenia. Ensuring financial security and dignity in later life can be achieved by strengthening income protection and expanding support for vulnerable older adults. In addition to improving individual well-being, reducing elderly poverty supports broader initiatives to reduce inequality and promote inclusive economic development.

– Honey Regev

Honey is based in Edinburgh, Scotland and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Beyond a Paradise: The Reality of Poverty in Seychelles

Poverty in SeychellesSeychelles is an idyllic tourist destination in the Western Indian Ocean off the coast of Africa, with its turquoise ocean water, luxury resorts and luscious landscapes. Underneath that is a persistent issue that the population of Seychelles faces: continued poverty. Many of the nation’s residents struggle daily with living costs, unemployment and basic services.

While Seychelles ranks lower than many countries with poverty on a global standard, the reality for many Seychellois is more complex than average statistics. 

The Reality and the Numbers

A report released in 2021 by the National Bureau of Statistics and the World Bank claimed that “25.3% of the population in Seychelles was living below the national poverty line in 2018.” The monetary amount they used to determine the poverty line was SCR 4,376 per month (about $206).

Aside from the monetary aspect, a Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) survey was done in 2019. It found that 11.88% of Seychellois are multidimensionally poor. Indeed, they’re not just deprived monetarily, they are being deprived of multiple areas like education, employment and health care.

Although these numbers are much lower than other poverty averages seen in many other nations, due to the small population, it is a reality for a big minority. Not only do money and unemployment add to the poverty line, but the rising cost of living and continued hardships affect many as well.

Who Is Most Affected

Larger family households are much more likely to be multidimensionally poor. The MPI counted more than 30% of large family households in this category, compared to under 5% of small family households.

The unemployed face very high vulnerability. More than 57% of those without employment were identified as multidimensionally poor. Populations with lower or no education have much higher rates of deprivation.

Government Safety Nets and Help

The Seychellois government has tried to arrange safety nets to address these issues and bring change:

  • Social Protection: In 2021, the World Bank gave Seychelles a $30 million credit to improve effectiveness and coordination in programs ranging from disability aid and pensions to welfare for orphans.
  • Welfare Assistance: The Agency for Social Protection (ASP) provides welfare to households unable to meet basic needs.
  • Increase in Benefits: In 2022, welfare allowances for families and individuals were increased to help with the rising cost of living.
  • Temporary Financial Aid: Workers earning below certain thresholds are eligible for extra monthly support, as are elderly individuals with electricity bills in their name.
  • Electricity Rebates: The ASP offers rebates on electricity tariffs for many low-income families and has simplified the application process by reducing documentation requirements.

Challenges and Limitations Remain

Despite NGOs and government support, poverty in Seychelles has not yet been solved. Many challenges and limitations remain:

  • Rising Cost of Living: Purchasing power is limited even with monetary assistance. Basic costs such as housing, utilities and food remain a struggle.
  • Fragmented Program Delivery: While many social programs exist, their implementation is fragmented, with varying levels of coordination, awareness and effectiveness.
  • Eligibility Gaps: Not everyone qualifies for assistance. Workers, particularly in the tourism sector, are excluded from certain benefits and were hit especially hard after COVID-19.

Conclusion

Poverty in Seychelles may be less visible than in many other nations. However, it remains a persistent issue for most of the population. While monetary poverty has declined and many live above extreme thresholds, multidimensional poverty is still widespread. The government’s safety nets are making important strides. However, until these programs adapt more effectively to rising costs and ensure equitable access, many people in Seychelles will continue to live in poverty.

– Brody L. Gates

Brody is based in Fort Worth, TX, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Top 3 Causes of Energy Poverty in Cyprus

Energy Poverty in CyprusEnergy poverty in Cyprus, an island in the Mediterranean, is at an all-time high. Energy poverty is when a household struggles to access reliable and affordable energy to fulfill daily needs such as heating, cooling, cooking and lighting.

More than 50% of the population in Cyprus experiences energy poverty. These are the top three reasons for energy poverty in Cyprus and ongoing solutions to bring affordable energy to the island.

Energy Isolation

Cyprus is the only country within the European Union (EU) that is not connected to energy networks. This isolation results in relying on imported fuel to power the country. Because importing fuel is expensive, the energy cost for consumers is high.

About 85% of Cyprus’s energy comes from imported oil and costs 35.7 PPS per 100 kilowatt-hours of electricity. Other countries in the EU pay as little as 14.33 PPS or 15.4 PPS.

Rising Costs of Living

Energy poverty in Cyprus is worsened by the high cost of living relative to the average monthly salary. More than half of Cypriots earn less than $2,214 per month, while apartment rental costs range from $821 to $1,994.

After covering expenses such as groceries, health insurance, car payments and student loan debt, little remains in household budgets for high electricity bills. Nearly 20% of Cypriots report being unable to afford to heat their homes.

Poorly Insulated Houses

Most homes and apartments are not properly insulated, creating difficulties in heating and cooling those spaces thoroughly. Electric bills are inevitably higher if homes cannot properly maintain a comfortable temperature without constant heater or air conditioning system interference.

Continuous use of heating or cooling systems also increases the wear and tear on those devices, leading to added repair costs. Health issues may arise for those who cannot afford to heat or cool their homes properly. Heat exhaustion, dehydration and even asthma attacks are possible.

Solutions to Energy Poverty in Cyprus

The Cypriot government is making progress toward solving energy poverty in Cyprus. It is also working to reduce the price of electricity through the Great Sea Interconnector and the Solar Energy for All Program. The Great Sea Interconnector is designed to electronically connect Cyprus, Greece and Israel to share power grids and access.

This plan would lower the price of electricity and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels to meet energy needs. Electricity bills in Cyprus are expected to decrease significantly. Providing an accessible path to clean, renewable energy and eliminating Cyprus’s energy isolation will improve the quality of life for Cypriots.

The submarine electrical connection is anticipated to be one of the largest power transmission projects in the world. Cyprus will first be connected with Crete, a Greek island. After that connection is built, Israel will be linked in. The project is on track to be completed by the end of 2025.

The Solar Energy For All program assists with the funding necessary to install solar panels. With a budget of more than $35 million, the program will help 6,000 individuals afford the installation. Using solar panels will reduce reliance on imported oil, along with the price of electricity for users.

With both the Great Sea Interconnector and the Solar For All Project, the electrical costs for Cypriots will undoubtedly decrease soon. 

– Sydney Uhl

Sydney is based in Vancouver, WA, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Migration to Thailand: The New Land of Opportunity

Migration to ThailandThailand is a popular subject on the topic of migration. The Southeast Asian country is beloved for its tropical climate, scenic beauty and historical sites. However, its beauty is not the sole reason for increased migration to Thailand.

Migration is an umbrella term involving the movement of people from one place to another, whether temporarily or permanently. Immigration, a sub-branch of migration, refers to people moving to a new country and settling there either semi-permanently or permanently. Both migration and immigration have increased in Thailand in recent years. Here are three reasons why people migrate to Thailand.

3 Reasons Why People Migrate to Thailand

  1. Economic Opportunities: Thailand has a moderately stable economy which is favorable to workers in neighboring countries. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Thailand’s “sectors such as fishing, agriculture, hospitality, domestic work and manufacturing are heavily reliant on migrant workers for manpower.” The majority of workers migrating to Thailand are from Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Myanmar seeking better opportunities and higher wages than their respective countries.
  2. Refugee Migration: According to the 2024 Migration Report from the United Nations Thailand, “Thailand hosts at least 5.3 million non-Thai nationals, marking an 8 per cent increase compared to nearly 4.9 million” in the previous report. This sharp increase is due in part to intensifying conflict in Myanmar. Since 2019, Myanmar migrant populations in Thailand have doubled to 1.8 million, with an estimated 150,000 living in refugee camps on the Thai-Myanmar border. In response, the National Screening Mechanism (NSM) launched in 2023 to assist migrants in applying for “protected person” legal status to prevent deportation.
  3. Reduced Cost of Living: Western Expats from Europe and the United States have identified Thailand as a popular residential destination to escape high costs of living. From health care to groceries to living expenses, Thailand offers around a 50% reduction in average cost. With the popularization of the “Digital Nomad Visa” and other offerings, immigrants are able to enjoy reduced cost of living and increased financial flexibility, while contributing to Thailand’s economy.

Impacts of Migration to Thailand

Migration has a profound effect on Thailand’s economy. According to a report from the International Labor Organization (ILO), immigrant workers contribute to virtually all sectors and are “associated with an improvement of labor market outcomes of the native-born population.” Because a large percentage of this population has employment, the report estimates that income per capita will rise significantly. Of course, migrants and low-income, rural Thai residents still face hardships.

In a 2022 report, the World Bank noted that Thailand made “remarkable progress in reducing poverty from 58% in 1990 to 6.8% in 2020.” However, as that progress has slowed, large gaps in wealth equality are revealed, leaving nearly 80% of the poor population in rural areas earning an income that is only 68% of their urban counterparts. This income inequality disproportionately affects the recent and ongoing influx of migrants who take on roles involving fishing and agriculture.

Additionally, there is research that suggests a link between migration to Thailand and public health. In a research paper that BMC Public Health published, migrants “may impact public health by transmitting communicable diseases to the local population.” This impact depends on the type of disease in question. Yet, while a rise in migration is associated with more cases of respiratory and other infectious illnesses, it is also linked to a decline in diseases that can be prevented through vaccination. While health care in Thailand is free to all, regardless of legal status, NGOs have been crucial for migrant groups to secure equal access to health care. According to interviews that Human Rights Watch conducted, the Mae Tao Clinic is a hotspot for Myanmar nationals that offers primary care services to undocumented migrants.

Looking Ahead

Overall, migration to Thailand offers valuable and significant benefits to the growth and development of the country, and in return, migrants enjoy the benefits of improved economic conditions, refugee support and a manageable cost of living. Thailand’s approach to migration is unique and serves as an example to the world of how opening one’s border can lead to unexpected positive outcomes that challenge conventional views on migration.

– Jamaya Newton

Jamaya is based in Somerset, NJ, USA and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Surviving the Arctic Struggles: Poverty in Greenland

Poverty in GreenlandGreenland, the world’s largest island, is known for its breathtaking landscapes and extreme climate, but beneath its icy beauty lies a pressing issue – poverty. Despite being part of the Kingdom of Denmark, Greenland faces economic hardship that disproportionately affects Indigenous communities.

Causes of Poverty

  1. Economic Dependence and Limited Industry. Greenland’s economy is heavily reliant on the fishing industry, which accounts for more than 90% of its exports. This makes the economy highly vulnerable to market fluctuations and limits job opportunities. The Danish government provides substantial financial support, with an annual block grant of about $585 million, making up more than 50% of government revenues and about 20% of Greenland’s gross domestic product (GDP).
  2. Geographical Isolation and High Cost of Living. While Greenland is a stunning country, its isolation in the far North makes it susceptible to high import costs for goods and services, driving up the cost of living. Necessities such as food and fuel are significantly more expensive than in mainland Denmark. For example, a family of four has estimated monthly expenses of about $5,726 without rent. These high costs make daily life unaffordable for many residents, contributing to growing economic stress and inequality.
  3. Social Challenges and Vulnerable Populations. Social issues such as alcoholism and mental health problems are deeply intertwined with poverty. The Indigenous Inuit communities are disproportionately affected, with high rates of substance abuse exacerbating economic hardship. Studies show a dramatic increase in alcohol consumption in Greenland, leading to severe health and social problems. These challenges often contribute to family breakdowns, unemployment, and domestic violence, creating a cycle of vulnerability. Limited access to health care and support services further worsens the situation, leaving many without essential help.

Tackling Poverty in Greenland

The Danish government’s financial support helps maintain Greenland’s public services, including health care and education. However, there is a growing movement to strengthen Greenland’s economy beyond this aid by investing in local industries such as mining and tourism.

Similarly, other organizations strive to help alleviate poverty, such as The Greenland Social Foundation, which provides food, shelter and educational programs to struggling families. The Red Cross Greenland also plays a crucial role in providing social welfare programs and mental health support.

Furthermore, institutions like Ilisimatusarfik University provide scholarships, with more than $21,000 awarded in April 2024, to help Greenlanders pursue higher education and secure stable employment. Community-driven initiatives are also promoting traditional practices like fishing and craftsmanship to create self-sustaining economic opportunities.

Ultimately, Greenland’s poverty crisis is driven by economic dependency on unstable income, high costs of living and social issues that disproportionately affect Indigenous communities. However, through a combination of government support, local initiatives and education programs, there is hope for a more resilient and self-sufficient future for Greenland’s people.

– Emina Bolic

Emina is based in Birmingham, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels