Poverty Risk in Districts of the Slovak Republic

Poverty in Eastern European countries and the problems that accompany the social malady have become widely discussed topics. We chose Slovakia as an example of aggregated indicator using, but the criteria can also be applied to other countries. The aim of the article is to point to the distinct spatial concentration of poverty in Slovakia, to capture its differentiated level (depth) conditions, and to identify its main traits and carriers. Another aim is to use of an aggregated indicator. An aggregated indicator, a comparatively new method applied by the Eurostat was used for identification of poverty. Data collected by the Regional Database of the Statistical Office of the SR and of the Centre of Labour, Social Matters and Family (UPSVaR) were used in this study. The obtained results showed that poverty is a serious problem for one-third (24) of all Slovak districts, its level and depth are differentiated and it is clearly concentrated in the eastern and southern parts of the country (these territories comprise the six poorest districts of Slovakia). The accumulated statistics also unveiled the conditions, status, and socio-economic situation of poor districts. It was found that poor districts have many common traits and properties which make it possible to identify the characteristics and carriers of poverty in Slovakia. Identification of poor districts and establishment of the level of poverty yield important information in the search for solutions, compilation of programmes, and measures of social and regional policies, which when implemented, would prevent further increase of poverty in affected regions.