A recent study shows that 10% of Colombian families live on less than $1.25 per day.
The study for the World Family Map 2014 looked at the many factors affecting families and their ability to raise their children effectively in 49 different countries.
One of the categories mentioned by the study, percentage of the population living in “absolute poverty,” showed a sad statistic for Colombia: 10% of its families live in this condition.
Absolute poverty is defined by the World Bank as less than $1.25 per day.
Colombia is the third highest in this category among nations measured in the South American region. Only Bolivia and Nicaragua have higher percentages.
The World Family Map included several other studied categories that show potential familial hardship for Colombian families.
One of the other main categories, which served as a primary measurement of family financial difficulties, was the percentage of the population that is regularly malnourished.
Colombia tied with Peru for the highest percentage in the South American region with between 30-40% of the population estimated to be malnourished.
In a country that has been heralded as an emerging market within the region, these numbers show that there is still a significant amount of improvement to be made.
However, there is at least one positive note for Colombia in the World Family Map: it tied with Argentina for having the highest percentage of families where the head of the family was employed, 82%.
Still, Colombian financial magazine “Dinero” questions if these statistics display a “crisis in the institution of the family in Colombia.” In light of recent national economic concerns, this may be a possibility.
Despite speculation of Colombia’s growing economic stability, progress could be slowed by recent concerns. Colombia’s 22-month streak below expected inflation was broken a few months ago, jumping about the 3% target for the first time.
MORE: Colombia’s inflation rate accelerates unexpectedly
There is also concern over Colombia’s oil market as oil prices have fallen nearly 18% so far this year amid the first recorded oil production shortfall in over a decade.
MORE: Falling oil prices threaten Colombian economy
Sources
- El 8% de las familias colombianas vive con menos de US$1,25 al día (Dinero)
- World Family Map (Child Trends)
