How Many People Live Below The Breadline In Russia?

Since the introduction of the free market economy into the former Soviet Union, there has been a widening gap between rich and poor.

According to figures published by the World Bank in 2004, 20 per cent of the Russian population lives below the poverty line, which is defined as a monthly income of 1,000 roubles, which is around £20, or 40 US dollars. This is in fact some thirty million people.

As an indication of the increasing polarity in wealth in Russia, government statistics show that the wealthiest in Russian society are in fact fifteen times richer than the poorest people. In cities such as St Petersburg and Moscow this difference is thought to be even wider.

However, the poorest sections of society are letting their feelings be known by waves of protests up and down the country against their current living conditions.

It is said that while many younger Russians relish the money-making opportunites provided by the free market, many older Russians yearn for the days of communism when they had greater social security.

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