Nobody had predicted the scale of the phenomenon. In Latvia (2.3 million inhabitants), emigration is causing tremendous damages. Since 2004, indeed, 200 000 to 300 000 workers have left the country to work legally or illegally. In other words, 14 to 21% of the active population has left. This is the highest rate of all new EU countries. The main destinations of Latvian workers: Great Britain, Ireland and Finland. (Ref. 061032)
Latvia has the highest rate of GDP growth per inhabitant, but the average income remains very low: the monthly minimum wage is only 125 euros. Youngsters leave the most, and do it massively, including in rural areas. There are almost no more young teachers in the country and 70% of students say they want to leave the country when their studies are over. According to the “Information Centre for women”, 15% of women want to emigrate. “Our political leaders have a problem. On one hand, they want E
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