In this report, the determinants of economic poverty in mountain areas are analysed using nationally representative livelihood data at the household level. Economic poverty has a central position, because it is perceived to be at the very core of the poverty definition: the inability to fulfil basic needs. Other poverty dimensions, for example a lack of basic facilities and lack of education, are included in the form of predictors of economic poverty, together with other socioeconomic indicators.

Mountain poverty is multifaceted and intensified through such factors as remoteness, poor accessibility, the fragility of the ecosystems, and marginalisation. This complex phenomenon cannot be explained using existing definitions of poverty. In general, poverty levels in mountain areas are higher than in other parts of the same country.