Bhutan

Poverty reduction

Poverty is a reality in contemporary Bhutan. The Report entitled “Poverty Analysis Report – 2007” (to be available soon) indicates that about 23.2 % of the country’s population is poor and that poverty in Bhutan is predominantly a rural phenomenon. The Royal Government, however, has always been aware and concerned about the circumstances and conditions of rural population, which, though free from destitution and hunger, is far from comfortable.

The national poverty line is estimated at Nu.1096.94 which translates to about Nu.27.50 per person per day. Most of the poor are located in rural areas where there is limited access to roads, lack of farmland and productive skills. Bhutanese families are also responsible for a large number of dependents although they do not have significant assets.

The UNDP assistance and support for poverty reduction in Bhutan fall mainly within the following areas:

• Elaboration of Development Reports to Inform Policies and Development Plans
• Establishment of a National Poverty Monitoring System
• High-Impact Poverty Reduction Programmes

Ongoing Projects (by MYFF Service Lines)

Past Assistance to Poverty Reduction. [ more...]