A joint report by the United Nations and Asian Development Bank said<br/>today that the still lingering global financial turmoil could push as many as 21 million more people into extreme poverty in the Asia-Pacific region. <br/><br/>The report said, in 2009, the crisis trapped up to an additional 17 million people into extreme poverty, and in 2010, another 4 million, giving a total of 21 million. The number rouhly equals the population of Australia. <br/><br/>The study, released in Manila said, those living on less than 1.25 dollar a day are generally said to be in leading a life of extreme poverty and the most-affected are women, who account for a majority of Asia's low-skilled, low-salaried, and temporary workforce. <br/><br/>Noting that such people can easily be laid off during economic turmoils, the report said the crisis has reduced the demand for migrant labour –and women form nearly two-thirds<br/>of the total Asian migrant population.