Historically, the Azores (Açores) autonomous region has been identified as the area with the highest risk of poverty and social exclusion in Portugal, with rates significantly higher than the national average. However, 2025 and 2026 data show a shifting landscape; while the Azores still faces high levels of material deprivation, the Alentejo region has recently seen an increase in relative poverty indicators, often being cited as one of the most disadvantaged in terms of disposable income and aging population. In mainland Portugal, the North (Norte) and Central regions also contain pockets of deep rural poverty. Conversely, the Lisbon Metropolitan Area and the Algarve remain the wealthiest, though they face their own challenges with high living costs. Government social transfers remain the primary tool for mitigating these disparities, especially in the islands where the cost of imported goods is higher.