Moldova became an independent republic in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Moldova is the poorest country in Europe. Its gross domestic product per capita stands at only $5,200 (the USA’s is about $64,000). In early October 2022 the government raised the public sector minimum wage to 3,500 lei / month ($180), the “in pocket” salary being less after taxes. This raise brought the public sector minimum wage into line with the private sector minimum, but it still falls far short of the cost of living in most parts of Moldova.
There are several causes of poverty in Moldova. Here are a few: [read more at Why Is Moldova So Poor?