Just came back from Minsk, Belarus. Construction going on everywhere, very low unemployment, very low crime. They produce everything locally: soap, tires, refrigerators, everything. The avearge wage is $260 per month, low by US standards, but not bad by local standards. Last time I was in that area, people were worried about food and survival. Now they're worried about remodeling and vacationing somewhere warm. Not bad, in a short period of time. Of course, the seniors continue to struggle.
The country has come a long way lately. Is anyone interested in hearing more?