The number of poor is almost equal to the total population in Brazil, or the total population of all the other countries of South America combined. While growth is critical to reducing this level of poverty, growth alone cannot do the job. Part of the problem is the region's inequality, with the poorest 20 percent of the population earning just 4.5 percent of total income. LAC probably has the most inequitable income distribution of any region in the world. The study, Voices of the Poor , surveyed poor people in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador and Jamaica.
Poor people are unable to find stable jobs with decent wages.
Infrastructure is inadequate. In the cities and in rural areas, the poor need access to drinking water, sanitation, electricity, and roads. Corruption blocks progress for the poor. They do not trust officials, politicians, police and other authorities. They suffer and fear discrimination and violence.