Social situation Income and wealth unevenly distributed

The Mexican government calculates the national poverty rate on the basis of a multidimensional index that, in addition to income, also measures access to basic social rights such as health, education and housing. According to this data, more than 35 per cent of the population is still living in poverty. The government has launched a number of social programmes, including programmes for farmers, pensioners, unemployed youth, people with disabilities and single mothers. Nevertheless, substantial structural causes of poverty still remain.

The distribution of wealth is extremely unequal, with huge differences between regions and between population groups. In the north and centre of the country there are relatively wealthy regions with businesses operating at global market standards. The centre is dominated by the Mexico City conurbation, where a large proportion of the country’s gross domestic product is generated. The south is less developed by comparison.

Indigenous Peoples, who make up around ten per cent of the entire population, are particularly affected by social and economic exclusion. According to official figures, more than two thirds of the Indigenous population lives in poverty.