North Macedonia research reveals 6% of households face multidimensional poverty

A new research project presented at an international scientific conference at the Faculty of Philosophy, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, reveals that approximately 6% of households in North Macedonia—roughly 34,900 households—live in multidimensional poverty.

The study assessed all 80 municipalities and eight planning regions using 12 indicators. Seven indicators measure socio-economic deprivation, including low education levels, youth unemployment, inadequate sanitation, dilapidated housing, and lack of heating or running water. The remaining five indicators measure distance to schools, healthcare facilities, hospitals, and green spaces.

Significant regional disparities were identified. The Southeastern region reported the highest poverty rate at 10.3%, followed by the Vardar (9.0%) and Northeastern (8.9%) regions. The Skopje region recorded the lowest rate at 2.3%. At the municipal level, Chashka showed the highest rate, with 71% of households experiencing multidimensional poverty. Other high-poverty municipalities include Staro Nagoricane (66%), Konche (58%), Mogila (56%), and Novaci (49%).

Researchers noted that impoverished households face an average of four to five of the twelve measured deprivations simultaneously. The findings suggest that social and development policies should be specifically targeted toward small, remote municipalities where service shortages often coincide with low educational attainment.