Social exclusion and poverty

How many people in Estonia live in poverty? Who is most at risk of social exclusion? Is the situation in Estonia improving or getting worse? Statistics Estonia provides accurate and up-to-date information about these important social issues.

A person might experience social exclusion if he or she lives at risk of poverty, is materially or socially deprived, or lives in a household with very low work intensity. A low income may contribute to social exclusion: someone with a low income might not be able to afford basic necessities or certain desirable items, such as paying rent or utility bills, eating nutritious food, spending a holiday away from home, buying a car, or meeting friends.

To measure social exclusion and to identify the socioeconomic characteristics of people living in social exclusion, we publish statistics about the following:

• at-risk-of-poverty rate and absolute poverty rate;
• deprivation;
• participation in the labour market and work intensity of households;
• households with payment difficulties.

All European Union Member States use the Laeken indicators to measure social exclusion. The indicators allow comparing the developments in Estonia with those in other countries.

These statistics are used to plan social and family policies and the related subsidies and services.