Human Capital Notes
The Human Poverty Index for Spanish regions
Abstract
The Human Poverty Index for developed countries (HPI-2) proposes a measurement of poverty that is not limited to income deprivation. The indicator, presented in this note, adds social exclusion to the three dimensions traditionally considered in the UN indices (health, education and income). The variables used include data on the probability at birth of not living past 60 years of age, rates of illiteracy and long-term unemployment, as well as income poverty.In addition to detailed information on the different variables for Spain and its regions, this issue provides the HPI-2 results for countries belonging to the EU-15. According to data from the Bancaja Foundation and the Ivie, the Basque Country, Navarre and La Rioja are the regions with the lowest human poverty, as measured by the HPI-2. In terms of the EU-15, Spain's human poverty is the sixth highest, behind Italy, Ireland and Britain, among others.