Poverty affects 39.2% of the Argentine population, according to the latest official figures.

The index grew by 3% compared to the second half of 2022, according to the latest report from INDEC, the official statistics agency.

These figures mean that some 17 million people are in poverty.

The numbers reflect the impact of inflation, which was around 100 percent in the last year, as well as the consequences of the drought on the economy.

Poverty in Argentina is measured according to the cost of a set of products and services, known as the Basic Basket.

It includes minimum expenses for food, clothing, housing, health and education for a family group of two adults and two children.

According to INDEC, this basket costs around 170,000 pesos per month: around 800 dollars.

Below that income level, the family is considered poor.

"We do not deny these indicators, we take responsibility for this reality and we work to assist the most vulnerable," said the Minister of Social Development, Victoria Tolosa Paz after the new index was released.