On the domestic front, China's rural poor population has declined for the first time since the poverty line was raised in 2011, although poverty alleviation work remains arduous, Xinhua news agency reports.

BBC: China media: Egypt accident anger

Vietnam cannot afford to provide services to the rural poor, or cope with a population influx in the cities, and cosset state-owned firms at the same time even during a boom.

ECONOMIST: Vietnam's economy

Her political affiliation is with Winaq, an indigenous movement which has its base in the Mayan indigenous population most of whom live in poor rural areas.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Guatemala's upcoming elections

Successive governments have failed to address the needs of the rural poor, a hidden, downtrodden and forgotten underclass who nonetheless comprise roughly 40% of the population.

ECONOMIST: Bolivia

On the sensitive issue of income distribution, the researchers say the rate of wealth growth for the rural population will outstrip that of the cities this year, but the gap between rich and poor is still widening.

BBC: Social discontent rising in China, says report