The Algarve and the island regions of Madeira and Azores stand out as the areas with the highest risk of poverty in Portugal, according to data released by .
With almost 20% of the population at risk in the Algarve, 24.8% in Madeira and 26.1% in the Azores, these numbers place the Portuguese regions among the most vulnerable on the Iberian Peninsula, surpassed only by the neighboring region Andalusia, where 30 .5% of inhabitants face this reality, in addition to the regions of Extremadura (27.6%) and Castilla-La Mancha (25.5%).
Despite presenting a lower rate than Andalusia, the Algarve appears as the Portuguese continental region most affected by poverty, slightly surpassing Galicia, which records a figure of 19.4%. In the Canary archipelago, rates coincide with those in the Azores (26.1%), but remain higher than in Madeira. These data reinforce a link between tourism dynamics and exposure to greater levels of economic and social risk.
The European context
At a European level, Eurostat points out that around 72 million people, or 16.2% of the continent’s population, live at risk of poverty. Regions in southern Italy, such as Sicily (38%) and Calabria (40%), lead the vulnerability indicators. Campania, which includes tourist destinations such as Capri and the Amalfi Coast, is also among the most penalized, reinforcing the trend that tourism, although vital for local economies, does not guarantee social stability.
Portugal with additional challenges
In addition to the risk of poverty in certain regions, Portugal faces other significant social problems. The country is among the most affected in the European Union due to the financial inability to keep homes warm, a situation that has worsened in recent years. Furthermore, women in Portugal face higher levels of social and material deprivation than men, placing the country in the group of European nations with the greatest gender disparities.
Dependence on tourism accentuates fragility
The numbers highlight the social fragility in Portuguese regions where tourism is one of the main economic drivers. Although the sector boosts economic growth, it has not been enough to combat inequalities and ensure better living conditions for residents.
The need for more comprehensive public policies focused on sustainable development is evident, especially in regions such as Algarve, Madeira and Azores. Ensuring economic diversification and social protection are essential steps to mitigate the impact of poverty in these vulnerable areas.
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