Poverty and Unemployment
Poverty and unemployment are both endemic in Zimbabwe, driven by the shrinking economy and hyper-inflation. Poverty rates run near 80%. While the unemployed in ranked as the world's largest, at 95%
As of January 2006, the official poverty line was ZWD 17,200 per month (US$202). However, as of July 2008 this had risen to ZWD 13 Trillion per month (US $41.00) . Most general labourers are paid under ZWD 200 Billion (US 60c) per month. A nurse's salary in September was Z$12,542 (12 US cents), less than the cost of a soft drink.
The lowest 10% of Zimbabwe's population represent 1.97% of the economy, while the highest 10% make 40.42%. (1995). The current account balance of the country is negative, standing at around US -$517 million.
Read more about this topic: Economy Of Zimbabwe
Famous quotes containing the words poverty and, poverty and/or unemployment:
“We have two useless gods who never leave our island, but like to dwell in it constantly, Poverty and Helplessness.”
—Herodotus (c. 484–424 B.C.)
“Poverty at home is not a problem, but poverty on the road can be fatal.”
—Chinese proverb.
“... of all the aspects of social misery nothing is so heartbreaking as unemployment ...”
—Jane Addams (1860–1935)