Italy’s poverty index rose sharply in 2011, survey shows

The results of a new survey show that poverty indicators in Italy experienced a sharp increase in 2011 as recession continues to take its toll on the country.

Fresh figures released by Italy’s National Institute for Statistics, Istat, on Thursday, revealed that the percentage of “deprived” households climbed to 22.2 percent in 2011 from 16 percent in 2010.

The survey also suggested that the share of “seriously deprived” households jumped from 6.9 percent to 11.1 percent over the same period.

Inability to cope with unexpected expenses, running behind on bills and mortgages, not eating enough proteins, and not being able to afford: a holiday at least once a year, proper heating, a washing machine, a television, a telephone, and a car, are defined as the indicators for poverty.

If a household meets at least three out of nine indicators of poverty, it is labeled as deprived, Istat said, adding that the household is seriously deprived if it meets at least four.

Meanwhile, the statistics institute reported that Italy’s economy contracted by 0.2 percent in the third quarter of 2012 amid the eurozone debt crisis.

Italy’s government has predicted that the economy will shrink by 0.4 percent in 2012, while employers’ lobby group Confindustria expects a 1.6 percent drop in the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

Italy started to experience recession after its economy contracted by 0.2 percent in the third quarter and by 0.7 percent in the fourth quarter of 2011.

Tough austerity measures, spending cuts, and pension changes introduced by Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti’s government have stirred serious concerns for many people already grappling with the ailing economy.