No Significant Change to Poverty Level, According to Experts
The level of poverty in Costa Rica remains this year the same as 2004 levels, against all of the forecasts which asserted that it would grow in 2005.

The National Statistics and Census Bureau reported that this year 21.2% of all the households in Costa Rica are poor. This means 237,000 families or 950,000 people.

Last year, the percentage was 21.7%. However, statistically speaking, the difference is not meaningful.

In order to measure poverty, a comparison is made between income and the cost of a basic food basket, plus an additional amount to cover other basic needs. Households whose average per member income is not enough to afford basic goods are defined as poor.

This year, as had been forecast, the prices of basic items increased more than income, which dropped by 2.9%, but this was compensated by the fact that more family members entered the labor force.

On average, 1 person more per each 10 families found a job in the period analyzed.

According to the Household Survey, 123,000 people started earning wages this year, an unusual increase.