Losing Ground on Poverty
In the last two years, Costa Rica has lost the ground in had gained against poverty and, should the trend continue, it would soon go back to where it was 15 years ago.

In the early 90s, 30% of the population was poor. Successfully, Costa Rica lowered the figure to 20% in 1994, and held it there through 2003.

With the deterioration recorded last year, added to the downward trend in the present year, poverty is likely to rise to 25%, according to analysts.

According to a last year survey, the ranks of the poor take in some 237,000 families, most of them with children, who in many cases do not have an income to feed themselves and others who have to choose between eating or addressing another basic need.

In order to correct this trend, the country needs more companies who operate and hire workers, plus a social policy that grants health and education to the most needy, so that they will be in shape to work.

However, as Central Bank former president Eduardo Lizano pointed out, Costa Rica's growth has averaged 4%, while properly fighting poverty demands a 6% increase.