The Strategy for micro regions, introduced in 2001, has improved ministerial co-ordination efforts to assist a selected number of rural regions characterised by high levels of marginalisation. The strategy involves a mix of measures that combine social emergency relief; improvement of the infrastructure of public and basic services such as health, education, electricity and water; housing improvements; and support to the competitiveness of local activities. Particular emphasis has been placed on the 125 poorest municipalities of the country, many of which have a high share of the indigenous population. The Programme for the Development of Priority Zones (Programa para el Desarrollo de Zonas Prioritarias) has been the main initiative of the micro region strategy.