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Migration to Puerto Rico

Migration to Puerto RicoOutward migration long defined Puerto Rico, as hundreds of thousands of residents left the island over the past two decades. Between 2010 and 2020, Puerto Rico’s population declined by 11.8%, falling from about 3.7 million to 3.3 million residents. Following Hurricane Maria, migration accelerated, with approximately 97,000 people leaving the island in 2017 alone. These sustained outflows reduced the labor force and contributed to long-term economic challenges, including workforce shortages and declining tax revenue.

In recent years, migration to Puerto Rico has begun to shift, although outmigration still exceeds inflows. In 2024, about 25,000 people moved to Puerto Rico from the mainland United States, while approximately 38,000 residents left, showing a continued but narrowing population loss. Return migration has increased as Puerto Ricans relocate from states such as Florida and New York, while migrants from across Latin America and the Caribbean also arrive seeking economic stability. These changing migration patterns now play a growing role in shaping labor markets, housing demand and public services.

Who Is Migrating to Puerto Rico?

Many groups contribute to migration to Puerto Rico, each with distinct economic impacts. Puerto Ricans returning from the mainland often bring savings, remote income or professional experience. Migrants from the Dominican Republic and Venezuela frequently seek employment in construction, tourism and domestic labor, where wages tend to be lower and job security limited. According to the Migration Policy Institute, these sectors rely heavily on migrant labor to meet workforce demand, particularly during post-disaster reconstruction and tourism expansion.

Mainland U.S. investors and remote workers have also increased migration to Puerto Rico under Act 60. These individuals often relocate to high-demand areas, contributing to rising property values and increased housing demand. While this investment supports economic growth, it can also increase housing costs for local residents, particularly in coastal and urban regions.

Migration to Puerto Rico and Poverty

Migration to Puerto Rico has helped address labor shortages, but poverty remains widespread. According to the World Bank, Puerto Rico’s income inequality remains high, with a Gini index above 0.54, one of the highest among U.S. jurisdictions. Many workers in tourism, construction and service industries earn wages that do not keep pace with the cost of living, increasing financial vulnerability even among employed individuals.

Housing demand has increased alongside migration, placing pressure on affordability. Research from Harvard DRCLAS identifies rising property values and short-term rental growth as key drivers of displacement in communities such as San Juan. Reports from Foundation for Puerto Rico also show that tourism development has increased demand for housing, particularly in coastal areas, making it more difficult for low-income residents to secure stable housing.

Language barriers, limited documentation and restricted access to services further affect migrants. These challenges limit access to health care, education and stable employment, increasing the likelihood of long-term economic hardship.

Economic Growth, Tourism and Inequality

Puerto Rico’s economy has expanded over time, but growth remains uneven. According to the World Bank, GDP growth data shows consistent long-term expansion in economic output, measured in constant 2015 U.S. dollars. Migration supports industries such as construction, tourism and services, which contribute to job creation and economic activity. However, GDP growth does not account for income distribution or cost-of-living differences.

Tourism plays a major role in employment. In 2024, visitors spent approximately $7.1 billion in Puerto Rico, supporting more than 115,000 jobs in hotels, restaurants and leisure services. Economic forecasts from the Puerto Rico Oversight Board indicate that while tourism remains strong, overall economic growth has slowed, with projections showing flat or modest growth in the near term. The labor market remains stable, but part-time employment has increased and younger workers face higher unemployment rates.

Despite this activity, inequality persists. Inflation in essential goods continues to outpace wage growth, and federal disaster recovery funding—while significant—has faced delays in distribution. These conditions limit the extent to which economic growth improves living standards for low-income households.

Organizations Supporting Migrants and Low-Income Families

The Hispanic Federation has operated in Puerto Rico since 2017, investing more than $54 million in recovery and resiliency efforts. The organization has supported more than 250 solar energy installations across schools and community centers and provided disaster assistance following multiple hurricanes. Its programs focus on housing, energy access and community development, directly benefiting migrants and low-income families.

The Community Foundation of Puerto Rico supports economic development through grants, small business funding and workforce programs. The foundation invests in community-based initiatives that help residents—including migrants—access employment, develop businesses and improve long-term financial stability.

Catholic Extension leads a large-scale rebuilding effort that includes restoring more than 600 churches, schools and community facilities across Puerto Rico. These projects create jobs, strengthen infrastructure and support long-term community recovery in areas experiencing natural disasters.

Following Hurricane Fiona, the FEMA provided approximately $574 million in assistance to more than 712,000 households. Disaster recovery centers and outreach programs helped residents access housing support, legal aid and rebuilding resources.

Caritas Puerto Rico serves approximately 75,000 people annually across 60 municipalities, providing food distribution, disaster relief, counseling and community support services. Its programs support migrants and vulnerable populations by addressing both immediate needs and long-term development.

Conclusion

Migration to Puerto Rico continues to reshape the island’s economic and social landscape. Migration supports labor markets and economic activity, particularly in tourism, construction and service industries. However, rising housing costs, persistent income inequality and limited access to services continue to affect both migrants and long-term residents.

Targeted policies that expand affordable housing, improve workforce development and strengthen social services can help ensure that migration to Puerto Rico supports economic stability rather than deepening inequality.

– Kianna Hines

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

Photo: Flickr

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Innovations in Poverty Eradication in Saint Lucia

Poverty Eradication in Saint LuciaThe island of Saint Lucia is one of the most highly coveted holiday destinations in the world. The COVID-19 pandemic, however, revealed the weaknesses of a tourism-based economy already susceptible to changing weather patterns and natural disasters. While the Saint Lucian economy has since recovered, international and grassroots projects continue in their efforts to fortify the tourist industry and develop innovations in poverty eradication in Saint Lucia through advancements in the agricultural sector in a bid to aid the most vulnerable groups in Saint Lucia’s society: women and young people.

Poverty and Gender Gap

 While rates of unemployment dropped to a historic low in 2024, and the percentage of households with internet access increased from 26.5% to 89.1% between 2010 and 2022, innovations in poverty eradication remain a necessity in Saint Lucia.

 Presently, 13,600 of Saint Lucia’s 183,600 population are living in poverty of less than $8.30 USD a day. Of those, the groups with the highest poverty rates are women and 0-14 years old, 8.5 and 13.5 respectively. Gender inequality exacerbates the issues for women as they receive on average salaries that are three quarters of the salaries that men earn.

Fortifying Tourism and Shifting to Blue Economy

 As part of ongoing efforts to drive economic growth, generate innovations in poverty eradication, fortify their tourism industry and secure increased levels of foreign aid and investment, Saint Lucia has been transitioning towards a blue economy. To do so, it has developed and implemented a National Ocean Policy, Strategic Action Plan and Coastal and Marine Spatial Plan, all of which work together across a 15-year timeframe to sustainably develop marine resources, protect ecosystems and manage the use of coastal and marine space. It is hoped that these initiatives will encourage the greater levels of international aid that is required to establish an attractive climate for foreign investments by helping mitigate the impacts of changing weather patterns.

These hopes have not been misplaced. The government of Saint Lucia has secured two major investment projects. These agreements are with the ATLAS Group and the Caribbean Hospitality Management Group, to construct a major luxury development and luxury residential venture respectively. Both projects will prioritize sustainability and integrate agriculture and education, according to local officials.

 These projects followed an initiative introduced by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to work closely with the government, private sector, and multilateral development banks to increase access to finance for women and youths in Saint Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda. The Innovative Finance For Underserved Groups Programme ran between January 2024 and December 2025 and signified a total contribution of $584,437 USD.

Water For Resilience (W4R)

International and grassroots efforts have also targeted agricultural innovation and reforms. The UNDP, Canada and United Kingdom have collaborated to establish and fund Water For Resilience (W4R). This initiative supports vulnerable communities in the islands of Saint Lucia, Grenada, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, helping them access sustainable water supplies and enhance their ecosystem conservation as part of improved water resources management. W4R focuses on supporting woman-led households, rural women farmers and youths, seeking to amplify their voices and limit the gender gap. Members of W4R collaborate with young farmers across the Marquis Watershed in Saint Lucia, an area of considerable importance as it serves as the site of construction for the major luxury development agreed with the Atlas Group.

The EnGenDER Programme

The UNDP, Canada and the U.K. have further tried to lessen the damage created by the gender gap through the establishment of the Enabling Gender Responsive Disaster Recovery, Climate and Environmental Resilience in the Caribbean (EnGenDER) programme. The objective of EnGenDER is to integrate gender equality and human rights based approaches into strategies that focus on disaster risk reduction and adaptation to changing weather patterns. The ultimate goal is to ensure equal access to disaster relief funds and environment solutions to all groups. EnGenDER also supports projects aimed towards aiding differently-abled people, such as the UN Aquaponics Project, which provided employment opportunities for more than 40 Saint Lucians living with disabilities.

Combined, these agricultural reforms and innovations in poverty eradication have strengthened the position of vulnerable groups in Saint Lucia. The increased access to sustainable water supplies, disaster relief and environmental solutions serves to aid poverty alleviation for rural women, as they now have greater economic stability and will be less impacted financially in the event of a natural disaster.

The National Schools’ Science and Technology Fair

There have also been highly promising innovations made at the local level, specifically by the youth of Saint Lucia. At the National Schools’ Science and Technology Fair 2025, students from Vieux Fort Comprehensive unveiled their ‘Pineapple Purification’ system, which sees pineapple waste become a natural water filter for farm pollution. The filtration system could potentially provide local farmers with a low-budget and sustainable solution to prevent the spreading of harmful bacteria, increasing their earning potential. According to Vieux Fort, The Global Environment Facility has expressed interest in expanding the scale of the project.

What Comes Next?

While strong progress has been made to shorten the gender gap, establish sustainable tourism and alleviate poverty levels in Saint Lucia, more is needed. More foreign aid, investment, support and attention are all required to ensure that Saint Lucia becomes a paradise not just for visitors and tourists, but for Saint Lucians themselves.

– Sean Welsh

Sean is based in Haywards Heath, UK and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Feeding a Tourism Boom: How Food Tourism Fights Poverty

Food Tourism Fights PovertyFood tourism is a growing trend in the travel industry, with travelers seeking out local culinary experiences as part of their trip. Because food is closely tied to culture and history, these experiences also offer travelers a way to learn about local traditions and connect with the communities behind them. In many places, there is resistance to tourists or migrants out of concern for protecting local ways of life.

Culinary tourism, however, offers a more accessible form of cultural exchange. By sharing food and culinary knowledge, refugees and low-income communities can earn an income while introducing others to their culture. Through cooking classes, food tours and shared dining experiences, food becomes both a point of connection and a practical route out of poverty, demonstrating how food tourism fights poverty in tangible ways.

The Growth of Food Tourism in Vietnam

As travelers increasingly look to connect with local culture through food, Vietnam has emerged as a key destination for food tourism. The country’s diverse regional cuisines, including widely recognized dishes such as pho, banh mi and bun cha, have gained growing international attention, making food a central part of the visitor experience. Culinary experiences now influence travel choices, with many visitors actively seeking out food tours, cooking classes and local dining as part of their itineraries.

In response to this demand, Vietnamese cities such as Ho Chi Minh City have begun positioning cuisine as a “language of tourism,” using food to enhance cultural engagement and destination appeal. Across the country, food tourism takes many forms, including guided food tours, cooking classes and home-based dining experiences. Locals transform everyday culinary practices into paid experiences through these activities, relying on local knowledge of regional cuisines and traditional cooking methods.

In doing so, food tourism creates accessible income opportunities in both urban and rural communities, linking cultural heritage directly to economic activity. One initiative that demonstrates how food tourism can support economic opportunity is STREETS International, a social enterprise based in Hoi An. Founded in 2009, STREETS combines culinary training with hospitality education through a free 14-month program for disadvantaged young people living in poverty.

The program provides classroom instruction, hands-on training, English-language education, supervised housing and access to basic needs such as meals and health care. Associated enterprises, including Oodles of Noodles and the Noodle House, provide participants with practical experience within the tourism sector. Through this model, STREETS supports pathways into employment and long-term economic independence, illustrating how food-related tourism initiatives can contribute to sustainable livelihoods in Vietnam’s hospitality industry.

Cooking Classes and Refugee Support

In the U.K., food tourism has also taken on a social role through initiatives like Migrateful, which uses cooking classes to support refugees and asylum seekers. Rather than having visitors consume and leave food behind, Migrateful centers the people behind the recipes. Participants lead public cooking classes, sharing dishes from their home countries while earning an income and building skills that support long-term employability.

Beyond economic support, the classes create a space where cultural exchange happens naturally, not through policy or debate, but through shared meals and conversation. For participants, this model offers practical economic support alongside confidence, language development and a sense of belonging. For attendees, it reframes migration through personal connection, demonstrating how food tourism fights poverty while encouraging understanding and inclusion.

Conclusion

Food tourism is more than a niche trend; it reflects a deeper shift in how tourism, culture and community intersect. At its heart, food tourism channels local food traditions and practices into meaningful economic activity, helping destinations not only attract visitors but translate cultural heritage into livelihoods. In places like Vietnam, cuisine plays a decisive role in destination choice and spending.

There, culinary experiences provide concrete income streams for small businesses and cultural practitioners while reinforcing cultural identity on the global stage. The World Food Travel Association estimates show up to 81% of international travelers seek local food experiences and spend 25–35% of their travel budget on food and drink.

When thoughtfully implemented, initiatives like STREETS International and Migrateful show that culinary programs can extend beyond meals to become catalysts for social and economic empowerment. By equipping participants with skills, income and confidence, these efforts demonstrate that cuisine can foster inclusion, cross-cultural understanding and sustainable livelihoods. In this way, food tourism fights poverty by feeding not just the tourism boom, but the communities behind the food itself.

– Iona Gethin

Iona is Exeter, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Tourism Recovery and Poverty Reduction in East Africa

Poverty Reduction in East AfricaTourism has long played a central role in the economies of East African nations, and its recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic is contributing to job creation, foreign exchange earnings and pathways out of poverty for many communities. As international travel rebounds, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda are seeing increased visitor numbers, diversified tourism products and government strategies that link tourism growth to broader economic inclusion.

Background

According to recent data, Kenya’s travel and tourism sector is projected to contribute significantly to the national economy, supporting more than 1.7 million jobs and generating billions of dollars in visitor spending.  In Tanzania, tourism contributes a substantial share of GDP and employment, while in Uganda and Rwanda the rebound toward and beyond pre-pandemic visitor arrivals is generating increased demand for services and local goods.

Tourism’s economic impact in East Africa extends beyond park gates and resorts. Tourists who visit national parks, historical sites and coastal destinations create demand for accommodation, transportation, food, crafts and local entertainment, which in turn supports small-business owners, guides, artisans and farmers. In Kenya alone, tourism supports more than 1.2 million jobs directly and indirectly, helping households earn a steady income and community members pursue entrepreneurial opportunities.

Tourism and Poverty Reduction in East Africa

Tourism can reduce poverty by creating jobs, expanding incomes and increasing demand for locally produced goods and services. Studies indicate that tourism’s contribution to GDP in East African Community countries averaged nearly 10% before the pandemic, with higher shares in countries such as Tanzania and Rwanda. This economic activity generates important spillover effects beyond the travel sector, encouraging investment in infrastructure, agriculture, and small-enterprise development.

In Uganda, tourism’s share of GDP has increased since the pandemic, reflecting rising international arrivals and targeted marketing efforts.  Similarly, Kenya has embraced regional tourism strategies that encourage travel within East Africa, creating new opportunities for cross-border economic activity and community-level benefits.

Yet tourism’s poverty-reducing potential depends on how benefits are distributed. In many places, earnings from large lodges and luxury travel accrue primarily to foreign-owned companies or national revenue streams rather than directly to local communities.  A balanced approach must ensure that job quality, wages and local ownership are part of the sector’s growth, rather than just visitor numbers.

Government and Stakeholder Responses

East African governments are pursuing a range of strategies to ensure tourism supports broader economic well-being. Kenya is expanding air connectivity, digital visa systems and regional promotion to attract more visitors while encouraging spending in local enterprises.  Rwanda has diversified its tourism offer with conferences and business events alongside wildlife and nature tourism to boost revenues and create year-round employment.  Uganda is enhancing road infrastructure and e-visa platforms to make travel easier and more attractive for regional and international visitors.

Non-government stakeholders also contribute to inclusive growth through community-based tourism and eco-tourism initiatives. These models link conservation with economic benefits, enabling local populations to earn income from guiding, hospitality and cultural experiences while conserving natural resources.

Challenges and Considerations

While tourism offers important economic opportunities, it also presents challenges that can affect poverty outcomes. Many tourism jobs remain seasonal or low-wage, and without supportive policies, the sector’s growth can fail to uplift the poorest households. Infrastructure gaps, environmental pressures and competition from luxury tourism can also limit local benefit flows.  To maximize impact, governments and development partners must plan for workforce training, community ownership and equitable revenue sharing.

Conclusion

The recovery of tourism in East Africa offers a pathway to economic growth and poverty reduction when integrated with inclusive policy and community engagement. By focusing on employment creation, diversification of tourism products and regional cooperation, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda are leveraging tourism not just as a source of foreign exchange but as a tool for more resilient and inclusive development. Continued investment in skills training, infrastructure and equitable benefit-sharing will be key to ensuring that tourism’s rebound translates into real, sustainable economic gains for communities across the region.

– Sean Leung

Sean is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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A Glance Into Poverty in Portugal

Poverty in PortugalPortugal, a beautiful country, is littered with sprawling cathedrals and castles. One of Portugal’s primary attractions is its high number of visitors. According to Road Genius, Portugal attracts an average of 15 million to 18 million people per year; despite being such a popular tourist destination, Portugal continues to battle with many financial and economic problems. This article will outline the problems and solutions to tackling poverty in Portugal.

A Glance Into the Facts About Poverty in Portugal

SDG Watch Europe states that 2.2 million people, which makes up about one-fifth of Portugal’s population, are at risk of poverty or social exclusion. Portugal had an economic crisis from 2011 through to 2015, which elongated its existing financial issues. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic furthered this.

Portugal observes an extremely large gap between the richest and the poorest. Euro Weekly News states that the wealthiest 25% of the population hold 48% of the country’s total income.

SDG Watch Europe argues that having a job in Portugal does not guarantee its citizens a decent standard of living. For instance, in 2017, about one out of every five people was earning the national minimum wage. Women earning the national minimum wage were double the amount of men.

SDG provides a few solutions: one is to strengthen the social protection and the benefits system to make it fairer and more effective for society in Portugal. Secondly, it recommends a focus on more inclusive growth through policies of income and wealth distribution. This includes more equal and progressive taxation.

Addressing Education in Portugal

SDG states that education is improving in Portugal. For example, school dropout rates have fallen and there has been a sharp increase in girls’ education. However, SDG illustrates that Portugal is one of the least educated countries in Europe with 22% of the population completing only the first cycle of compulsory education. Many children under the age of sixteen end up leaving school in search of work or live on the streets.

According to Eurydice, the Portuguese Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation has launched a Learning More Now Plan, in the school year of 2024-2025, which includes a “strengthening of assessment literacy in leadership” and “early interventions to prevent yearly retention and early school dropout.” Strengthening education is one solution to reducing poverty in Portugal.

The Portuguese National Action Plan

The Portuguese National Action Plan began in 2022 and plans to continue in 2030. This plan has seen a development of initiatives such as the reduction of poverty among children and young people, with the goal of a reduction of 170,000 children in poverty by 2030. So far, there has been 270 measures to reduce the risk of poverty such as the free school meals, enhanced housing support and social benefits.

The President’s Stance on Poverty

According to The Resident, the current president of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, has admitted his frustration with the lack of improvement in Portugal’s poverty figures. At the start of the mandate, the president hoped to help eradicate poverty and improve the situation for the homeless. To improve, President de Sousa has argued for the implementation of a global strategy to eradicate poverty in Portugal.

Portugal needs a large improvement in reducing poverty, particularly for a country that attracts so many global visitors per year. Implementing the solutions that the SDGs set out helps tackle Portugal’s financial and economic issues. This is furthered by initiatives in education such as the Learning More Now Plan.

– Joe Langley

Joe is based in Edinburgh, Scotland and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Being Poor in Kashmir: How PDS Systems Improve Sustainability

Being Poor in KashmirThe Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir recently celebrated reaching a new milestone in tackling poverty. Results from Niti Yoga’s National MPI (Multi-dimensional Poverty Index) suggested a notable downsizing of poverty and improving the lives of those being poor in Kashmir.

Kashmir, a state located in India’s Northern mountainous terrain, is mostly a rural and remote region. Education and clean water are often a luxury for residents of Kashmir. Even in cities, unstable job opportunities and livelihoods result in constant struggles. However, over the last seven years, the region has recorded a considerable decline in poverty from 12.56% to 4.8% as per the most recent National MPI statistics. In 2025, the region suddenly saw experts’ focus on the credibility of this poverty decline and the MPI itself.

Being Poor in Kashmir & National MPI Controversy

Experts felt that the MPI did not effectively showcase the reality of life in Kashmir. This concern arose from the fact that nearly 50% of Kashmir’s population relied on the government’s Public Distribution Systems (PDS) for food and financial assistance.

PDS played the primary role of providing sustenance for these members who lacked stable means of livelihood. An August 2025 report from Kashmir’s Department of FCS&CA exhibits that 98.64 lakh beneficiaries receive food grains every month. Thus, social workers and national journalists felt that Kashmir’s citizens still lacked credible means to overcome poverty and mere survival.

The Multidimensional Poverty Index summed multiple life factors while measuring poverty. Additionally, the National MPI, which Niti Yoga has appropriated, includes two more factors, maternal health and financial inclusion. When keeping this in mind, social experts express concerns that Kashmir’s progress in declining poverty might be short-term. It is problematic because in the process of poverty reduction, dependency on PDS systems is peaking. But does it suffice to view this only as dependency?

Why Should One View PDS Optimistically?

While the experts’ concerns definitely are valid, should one view them in a negative light? Some leaders argue that the government is utilizing taxpayers’ money to help those residing below the poverty line. Although the PDS dependency numbers are staggering, giving people access to necessities such as food, housing and sanitation holds long-term benefits. For instance, families with children who previously focused only on survival are now expanding horizons towards education and other aspects of quality of life. Kashmir’s 2022-23 SDG reports showed that education enrollment increased to 88.65% from 71.73% in 2015-16.

Secondly, when looking at the statistics, the uplifting of 7.76% people from below the poverty line is an incredible achievement, according to government representatives. Moreover, the fact that government schemes facilitated this improvement adds to the positive momentum and a hope for those who are poor in Kashmir.

Finally, an important aspect is that a large part of the Jammu and Kashmir population is no longer starving. The lifestyle of the population has undergone major changes from the last five years, especially in regards to the experience of being poor in Kashmir. Dependency on PDS can be reduced by using the right strategies, but lives getting saved and hunger being eradicated are commendable feats.

Reducing PDS Dependency

Kashmir’s local and central leadership has made notable progress in eradicating poverty. The government is now focusing increasingly on employment and entrepreneurship. Representatives are turning their attention towards schemes which help increase the means of livelihood and income stability. 

Some of these schemes include the MUMKIN, a scheme for improving youth livelihood, PM SVANidhi for street vendors and others. Other schemes prioritizing women entrepreneurship and security for the elderly also exist.

The government plans to initiate multi-dimensional strategies, which on the one hand focus on the stability of PDS systems. On the other hand, it can work on improving people’s means of financial income, creating new jobs and educational opportunities. In doing so, the funds allocation can slowly shift more towards such schemes while reducing PDS dependency. Thus, leaders reinforce that it is important to view the PDS systems as factors improving sustainability rather than as a dependency for those being poor in Kashmir. Because schemes and systems like these eradicate the more impossible problems, such as food and shelter accessibility to rural areas and urban poverty, too.

Into the Future

By elevating people from the below poverty line social sector, their approach to life changes. Impoverished people slowly shift from survival modes to sustenance modes such as education, lifestyle, etc. Evidently, Kashmir’s tourism rates and infrastructure progress show considerable improvement. 

Kashmir is now well poised to utilize the funds from tourism for improving its citizens’ quality of life. Central and State Governments expect to see more of the population stepping out of being poor in Kashmir over the coming years. 

– Shafika Fathima

Shafika is based in Chennai, India and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Everything To Know About Poverty in the Maldives

Poverty in the MaldivesThe Republic of the Maldives is an archipelago located in South Asia in the northern Indian Ocean. While its population is only approximately 530,000, the Maldives receives almost 2 million tourists per year. Since its first resort opening in the 1970s, the Maldivian economy has grown significantly thanks to its popularity amongst international tourists. However, poverty in the Maldives is an ongoing issue that requires attention.

Recent Progress 

Over the last decade, there has been a significant decline in poverty in the Maldives. From a 65% poverty rate in 2009 to an 11.7% poverty rate in 2016, improving quality of life due to flourishing tourism characterized the pre-pandemic Maldivian economy. Its ‘enclave economy’ means that each island has a specific use, for example, some islands are restricted to resorts, while others are strictly for certain industrial activities.

Alongside this, policies like mandating that at least 51% of a resort’s workforce must be Maldivian have resulted in a growth of the tertiary sector and an increase in wage employment. Not only have these developments significantly grown government revenue, but they have also improved the quality of life of most Maldivians. This is due to a greater number of households experiencing a stable source of income and growing welfare policies from the government. In fact, the government has strived to redistribute this wealth through infrastructure investment, like airports and public housing. 

Despite great economic progress in recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic revealed how fragile the Maldivian economy is; travel bans as a result of the pandemic caused a fall in real GDP by 33.6% in 2020, showing how the country’s economy was reliant on international tourism. In fact, resort-based tourism contributes to approximately 23% of GDP, meaning that it is at the mercy of factors beyond its control.

Environmental Threats

Tourism is not the only external factor threatening the economic stability of the Maldives; due to the islands’ low elevation above sea level, the country is extremely vulnerable to changing weather patterns. For example, a tsunami in 2004 caused damages worth 62% of GDP alongside unquantifiable damages like soil erosion and damage to fisheries, which had long-term effects on the recovery of the economy.

The unpredictable and inescapable nature of such events poses a constant threat to the Maldivian population. As a result, the Maldivian government has adapted its policies to strive for long-term security against these issues. An example of this, which the 2005 tsunami reinforced, is the construction of Hulhumalé, an artificial island currently being built 8 km from the capital city. With this, the government hopes to not only reduce overcrowding in Male, but also protect residents from the threat of coastal erosion – a dilemma that many smaller atolls are currently facing. With the Housing Development Corporation capping house prices and the coastline set 2 meters above sea level, its residents are protected from both economic and geological dangers.

On top of government policies, many NGOs have also contributed to assisting those living in poverty in the Maldives. For example, the Maldivian Red Crescent, founded in 2009, is the largest humanitarian organization in the Maldives, striving to protect the population from the socioeconomic challenges that arise from natural disasters. In 2024, it took significant steps in enhancing its emergency response resources, like organizing Anticipator Action workshops and signing a grant contract with the Japanese Embassy for the provision of emergency support vehicles. In fact, one can see the extent of its success in the Maldives through its recognition as an official member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in 2011.

Geographical Inequality 

The greatest factor that seems to be limiting the reduction of poverty in the Maldives is the socio-economic disparity between the capital Male’ and the atolls. Although all Maldivians have access to basic health care and education, the more advanced facilities are located in the capital, creating inequalities that translate to poorer job prospects and thus income disparity. In fact, approximately 10% of Maldivians in atolls are living under the international poverty line compared to only 1% in Male’.

Not only is there inequality between Male’ and the atolls, but even between the atolls themselves, some clusters experience much higher levels of poverty than others. For example, some atolls rely on fisheries as their main source of income, yet their profitability is limited by their poor infrastructure, such as a lack of storage and processing facilities. Even when considering non-monetary metrics, there is a clear disparity between the islands; Maldivians living in the atolls experience fewer years of schooling and lack access to basic resources like safe drinking water and sewer systems. 

Therefore, despite the responsiveness of the Maldivian government to the challenges faced, it continues to be an economy at the mercy of geographic and environmental factors. Furthermore, inequality between Male’ and the atolls is the main factor limiting the government’s ability to eliminate poverty in the Maldives. 

– Vittoria Cortese

Vittoria is based in Washington, DC, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Tourism Is Reducing Poverty in Albania

Poverty in albaniaTourism in Albania has grown rapidly in recent years and is becoming a powerful tool for reducing poverty and creating economic opportunity. Once seen as a hidden destination, the country is now attracting millions of visitors each year, bringing new income to communities that previously had limited employment options. Through investment in infrastructure, support for small businesses and community-based tourism projects, the industry is helping households earn a stable income and build more secure futures.

Rapid Growth in Visitor Numbers

Albania has shifted from being a hidden destination to becoming one of the Mediterranean’s fastest-growing tourism markets. In 2019, the country welcomed 6.4 million foreign visitors, which was considered a record year at the time. Since then, tourism in Albania has continued to grow rapidly.

By 2024, Albania attracted nearly 12 million international visitors, an 82% increase from 2019. Tourism in Albania also showed strong resilience after the COVID-19 pandemic. By 2022, tourist arrivals were already 5% higher than pre-pandemic levels, allowing the sector to recover faster than many competing destinations in the region.

This quick recovery helped protect jobs and restore income in tourism-dependent communities. The country has also expanded its tourism markets beyond a single source. Albania has established direct air connections and attracted visitors from the U.K., Germany, Italy, France, the U.S. and the Middle East. To meet growing demand, the number of hotels, rooms and beds increased more than tenfold between 2000 and 2019, while international seat capacity continued to rise after 2019.

While national statistics show a massive surge in arrivals, local hosts see this growth through their seasonal calendars. In an interview with The Borgen Project, Akeron, who runs a local Airbnb, explained that the season typically “starts in April and ends in the end of October.” During the peak months of July and August, his accommodations are usually “fully booked,” while June and September maintain high occupancy rates of “70-80%”.

Tourism Revenue and Economic Impact

Tourism has become a major financial pillar of Albania’s economy. In 2023, the sector’s contribution to GDP reached 565 billion Lek ($6.78) billion, a 37% increase from the previous peak in 2019. Estimates show that travel and tourism now contribute roughly one in every four Lek to the national economy.

Tourism has also strengthened Albania’s export earnings. Over the past two decades, tourism generated 38% of the country’s total exports. International visitor spending reached 464 billion Lek ($5.57 billion) in 2023, more than 45% higher than in 2019, bringing money directly into local communities.

This economic shift is felt directly at the household level. For Akeron’s family, the ability to host international visitors has provided a new level of financial security. “For my family, it has made a difference in the amount of money we can save and has helped us think about things we want to do for the future,” Akeron stated.

Job Creation and Social Inclusion

Tourism is one of Albania’s largest sources of employment. In 2023, the sector supported almost 269,000 jobs, representing around one in five jobs nationwide. These jobs range from hospitality and transport to food services and cultural tourism, offering work in areas where few alternatives exist.

Tourism growth has also supported inclusive employment. In southern Albania, more than half of the jobs created through heritage tourism projects are held by women and young people. Some initiatives have also created opportunities for people with disabilities, including maintenance roles at Gjirokastra Castle, helping improve household income, social inclusion and reduce poverty in Albania.

Additionally, tourism has encouraged return migration. Former residents are returning to historic cities such as Gjirokastra and Saranda to invest savings in guesthouses and hospitality businesses. In project-supported areas, the number of tourism-related businesses has more than doubled since 2019, showing how public investment can stimulate local entrepreneurship.

These roles often rely on a collaborative family structure to be successful. Akeron and his parents all maintain other full-time jobs, but they “work together” to manage the guesthouse. He explained the division of labor: “me with the online part and my mom with the cleaning and welcoming guests to make it work.” He also noted that for families where members lack regular employment, this business provides “a very good income.”

Tourism in Rural and Coastal Communities

Tourism has turned family homes into sources of income in many rural and historic areas. In cities such as Gjirokastra, Berat and Përmet, public investment in restoring castle sites and cobblestone streets has encouraged families to convert historic homes into bed-and-breakfasts, restaurants and guesthouses. In these areas, the number of tourism-associated businesses has more than doubled since 2019.

Rural tourism also supports artisanal and cultural income. Around 78% of people employed in the artisan sector are women and nearly half of handicraft businesses are women-owned. Small family-run homestays rely heavily on women’s labor and provide independent income, strengthening household stability.

Infrastructure improvements have helped extend the tourism season beyond the summer months. Projects such as the Saranda promenade have enabled year-round economic activity, stabilizing income for local workers and businesses.

Local hosts often act as a bridge to the wider community by encouraging guests to spend money at nearby businesses. Akeron noted that he frequently recommends “restaurants in the city and by the beach” to his guests. He specifically highlights a restaurant in his village “which serves only Albanian food,” illustrating how tourism income supports traditional culinary businesses.

Community-Based Tourism and Infrastructure Investment

Community-based tourism initiatives have helped ensure that tourism benefits stay within local communities. The Integrated Urban and Tourism Development Project, supported by the World Bank and the Albanian government, focuses on cities including Berat, Gjirokastra, Përmet and Saranda. The project aims to regenerate local economies by restoring heritage sites and upgrading public infrastructure.

This model encourages residents to become active tourism entrepreneurs by converting private properties into guesthouses, cafés and tourism services. Additional EU-funded programs have adopted bottom-up approaches that enable communities to shape tourism growth in line with local needs. Investment in transport and accessibility has supported this growth.

Albania has expanded air connections through low-cost carriers and the construction of new airports. Road networks, walking routes and heritage trails have also improved access to inland regions.

Remaining Challenges

Despite strong progress, challenges remain. Informal employment continues to leave many tourism workers without contracts or social protection, increasing vulnerability during economic shocks. Regional inequality is also visible, as northern areas such as Kukës continue to face high poverty and limited tourism development.

Beyond employment concerns, a significant hurdle is the “infrastructure missing from the government.” Akeron identified the “lack of water” as a primary issue, explaining that families often have only “1-2 hours a day” to fill storage tanks for basic needs like showering and washing dishes. He recalled a specific instance where the water supply failed while a guest “had just put on the shower gel.” While a neighbor was able to provide water to help, Akeron noted that these daily shortages create constant uncertainty for local hosts.

Tourism in Albania is proving that well-planned growth can do more than attract visitors; it can reduce poverty, create jobs and strengthen communities. By supporting family-run businesses, expanding infrastructure and promoting community-based tourism, Albania has allowed its residents to benefit directly from rising visitor numbers. While challenges remain, continued investment and inclusive planning offer a hopeful path forward, showing how tourism can be a powerful force for shared prosperity and poverty reduction in Albania.

– Aila Alsakka

Aila is based in Nottingham, UK and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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How Surf Tourism is Helping Fight Poverty in Bali

Poverty in baliBali, an island and province of Indonesia, is best known for its turquoise waves and world-class surf breaks, but behind the island’s booming tourism industry lies a more complex reality. While mass tourism has strained local livelihoods and the environment, surf tourism in Bali is quietly creating economic opportunities that help local communities escape poverty.

Tourism and Inequality in Bali

Over the past two decades, tourism has driven extraordinary economic growth in Bali. Before the pandemic, the island welcomed more than six million international visitors a year, generating jobs, foreign investment and global visibility. But this growth has not been evenly shared.

As tourism expands, wealth tends to concentrate in already-popular areas, widening the gap between those who benefit from the industry and those who are left behind. Developers have increasingly converted agricultural land, including Bali’s iconic rice terraces, into hotels, beach clubs and shops aimed at foreign tourists. For many rural and working-class communities, this shift has meant higher living costs, fewer traditional livelihoods and mounting pressure to adapt or relocate.

Surf Tourism in Bali

What surf tourism in Bali occasionally reveals is not a solution to poverty, but a different way tourism value can circulate at the margins. At Kima Surf, the surf camp embeds charitable work into its everyday operations. Kima Surf instructors bring children from the Bali Orphan Day Center into the water for surf sessions, while guests and staff take part in beach clean-ups that address the environmental pressures tourism generates.

Beyond the beach, Kima Surf supports initiatives such as the NF Kinder Foundation. The foundation funds health care, research and aftercare for families facing the high and ongoing costs of Neurofibromatosis, helping them avoid financial strain that could push them deeper into poverty. Similarly, Bali Green Surf School supports educational access by providing food, clothing, toys and essential school supplies to local orphanages, helping reduce material barriers to learning for children from low-income backgrounds.

Fundraising for SurfAid’s Make a Wave Challenge and awareness campaigns promoting disability inclusion in Bali also support groups that are often excluded from tourism jobs and social services. These interventions remain limited in scale and cannot offset the structural inequalities that tourism development produces; however, they illustrate how surf tourism can contribute, albeit incrementally and unevenly, to poverty alleviation. It eases access to care, skills and resources where state support is often insufficient.

What This Means for Poverty Reduction in Bali

Examples like Kima Surf and Bali Green Surf School show how surf tourism in Bali can intersect with poverty in ways that are often overlooked. Rather than transforming the economy or reversing gentrification, surf tourism can create smaller, more immediate forms of support. These include reducing financial vulnerability by improving access to health care and educational resources that might otherwise push families further into poverty.

These impacts are limited and uneven, but they matter in a place where tourism dominates everyday life. Surf tourism in Bali does not solve poverty. However, when its benefits reach local people, it can make everyday life more affordable for some families.

– Iona Gethin

Iona is based in Exeter, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Rising Inequality: Montenegro’s Poverty Crisis

Montenegro’s Poverty CrisisMontenegro’s Adriatic Coast is riddled with luxury resorts and an increasing number of tourists, enabling a booming holiday industry to emerge. However, poverty largely persists in rural and inland communities due to the strain that tourism places on these areas. The tourism industry contributes 25–30% to Montenegro’s GDP and total employment.

Although concerns over Montenegro becoming too dependent on tourism persist, the European Union (EU) accession ambitions have prompted Montenegro to align its growth with social development. Similarly, International donors and NGOs are beginning to push for support of inclusive tourism and the promotion of rural development projects.

Montenegro’s Growing Wealth Gap Crisis

A major issue in Montenegro remains the growing wealth gap, with most wealth concentrated among the elites and foreign investors. In early 2025, the Ministry of Tourism began promoting small-scale entrepreneurship and rural tourism to distribute economic benefits more evenly across the country. Additionally, the seasonal nature of tourism in Montenegro makes tourism-related jobs insecure and low-paid, exacerbating the wealth divide, as a secure income is a rarity.

However, EU-funded initiatives are helping workers gain skills for year-round employment and supporting the economy through infrastructure development. Similarly, the government aims to introduce a new law, the “Permanent Seasonal Worker,” which will provide more stable employment for seasonal workers. This will enable a more secure economy and alleviate Montenegro’s poverty crisis.

Another prevailing issue in Montenegro is the regional inequality between the coast and the inland, largely driven by differing lifestyles and economic opportunities. Despite these challenges, infrastructure projects, such as roads and digital connectivity, are being expanded to rural areas to attract investment. For example, the EU is providing Montenegro with more than $88 million to reconstruct a 167 km railway, which will modernize the country’s transport network and promote a more sustainable transportation system.

These changes aim to create easy access across Montenegro and help reduce the nation’s poverty levels.

Balancing Tourism and Equality

Tourism in Montenegro affects more than just poverty; it also has significant environmental and social impacts. While women make up a large percentage of the tourism workforce, they are often excluded from higher-paying roles due to industry instability and prejudice. To address this, NGOs and EU programs fund and organize women’s job training and mentoring initiatives designed to promote independence and entrepreneurship in a difficult job market.

Tourism growth in Montenegro largely strains natural resources and risks exacerbating environmental degradation. However, the government is committed to promoting sustainable tourism standards and eco-certifications. By encouraging practices such as energy and water conservation in accommodations, Montenegro is reducing the environmental impact of tourism.

The country is also advancing a sustainable tourism strategy through participation in programs such as the international EU Ecolabel. Pushing for these limitations and using official certifications provides a surefire way to not only protect the environment but also continue the fight against Montenegro’s poverty crisis.

Final Remarks

Overall, Montenegro is working toward a more sustainable future in an effort to reduce its poverty rate. Its promotion of eco-tourism and cultural heritage projects aims to diversify tourism beyond just the coast, while also strengthening policy links between tourism revenue and social welfare to reprioritize Montenegrins. Nonetheless, poverty remains rife alongside booming tourism across the Adriatic Coast, with Montenegro beginning to promote initiatives aimed at inclusive tourism.

Montenegro also serves as a strong case study of how a small state can balance economic growth with poverty reduction through increased investment and policy alignment, promoting the well-being of its people and its tourism sector.

– Megan Burrows

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

Photo: Pexels