Across the Union there are considerable differences in the severity of the problem. For instance, the overall risk of poverty ranged in 2001 between 10% in Sweden and 21% in Ireland. In Southern countries, as well as in Ireland, poor people not only benefit comparatively less from the overall prosperity of their respective countries, but also are more likely to be subject to more persistent forms of poverty and deprivation. The risk of poverty tended to be significantly higher for particular groups such as the unemployed, single parents (mainly women), older people living alone (also women mainly) and families with numerous children.
Le risque de pauvreté a eu tendance à être nettement plus élevé parmi certains groupes comme les chômeurs, les parents isolés (principalement les femmes), les personnes âgées vivant seules (principalement des femmes aussi) et les familles nombreuses.