The number of Russians living below the poverty line rose by 3.1 million in the first quarter as the economy reeled from the plunging ruble and soaring inflation, state statistics revealed Thursday.The number of Russians classed as living in poverty hit 22.9 million in the first quarter, or 15.9 percent of the population.In the same period last year 19.8 million Russians were living under the poverty line. This is defined as having an income of less than 9,662 rubles per month (US$176).The statistics agency adjusted the income level defined as poverty from last year to reflect inflation of up to …read more
Source: The Jakarta Post
