Resource information
Since its recovery of macroeconomic
stability in 1991, the Dominican Republic has experienced a
period of notable economic growth. Poverty has declined in
the 1990s. Nevertheless, a segment of the population-mainly
in rural areas-does not seem to have benefited from this
growth. Poverty in this country in 1998 is less than that of
other countries if one adjusts for the level of economic
development. The principal poverty characteristics are the
following: Disparity in poverty levels in rural areas
relative to the rest of the country. Destitution in the
"bateyes," the communities arising near the sugar
cane plantations, that are mainly composed of women,
children, and the aged. Urban vulnerability to environmental
problems while access to basic services is restricted.
Vulnerability to natural disasters that destroy the means of
production. Poverty is high among children--especially those
who have abandoned formal education-female-headed
households, and the aged-the latter due to lack of social
safety nets and the absence of pension systems. There is a
strong correlation between poverty and health indicators
like the presence of malnutrition, and poverty and
education, and poverty and the absence of basic services.
Government transfers and foreign remittances play an
important role in reducing poverty.
