$755 for a Box of Condoms ...

[Zealot7]

A box of condoms for $755 , which equates to 85% of the Venezuelan monthly minimum wage???

This story highlights perfectly the effect that economics can have on the average persons life. Venezuela has been an

economic basket case for years, even before Chavez came to power. Their current president appears to be either spineless or

oblivious to what's happening to his country.

It should be a wealthy country given it's oil reserves. But a lack of economic diversification means that oil sales account for 96

percent of Venezuela’s foreign income so unsurprisingly Venezuela has suffered more than any other country from the major

fall in global oil prices the past few months.

Corruption and poor economic decisions have left them in a position where they have 60% inflation, a shrinking economy and

it's citizens in a position where they cannot afford to buy necessities even if they were available in the shops.

Long term this will probably lead to an unintended population surge and an increase in the rates of HIV and other conditions

heaping more pressure on a struggling economy.

Socialism never works. Never stops people from trying it though.

I'm sure we here in Ireland will get there someday too.