[jb6]

That's $1,000 in a country where the average salary is $380. Remember, it's not the amount of dollars its what those dollars will buy you. A loaf of good quality bread costs around 30 American cents.

[redheadtoo]

A loaf of good quality bread costs around 30 American cents.

Is that a government controlled or supplemented price? Can a scientist buy a house or a car with that salary? Can he afford a computer?

I have a car and a computer despite my low paying job. I can also afford all the bread I can stuff in my face even though it costs me about 3 dollars a loaf.

[x5452]

Heh, I've been there, and love the prices (I lived like a king for a month in rural Russia spending only about 1000 dollars).

My programmer friend there makes about 250 a month. (It's all contract work though so it's sporadic).

I don't think 1000/month will stop young unmarried folks from leaving Russia if they are given the oppurtunity, though it may make some stop actively searching for one.

Personally I'm worried about both emmigration, as well as abortion rates.

I think Putin should ban abortion until the population rate corrects, and give tax breaks for children.