ANALYSIS: You Get What You Pay For, Russia (Part of the 16 Day Campaign)

RUSSIA

Russia in 2008 ranks as 5th country in the world with highest military expenditure, with a spending of 58.6 billion dollars, representing an approximate 4% of the world share, a roughly 3.5% of its own GDP and a spending per capita of 413 dollars.

Russia is among the countries that show an increase of spending in Eastern Europe. Russia is trying to revitalize an aged military. However, taking under account existing under-funded social areas in need of reform one might ask why this money is directed towards building up a country's defense system.

Calculations

The greatest proportion of working women are in public health service (85%) which means that ensuring funding for health service would also keep women employed.

Russia's abortion rate is one of the highest in the world. For every 100 births there are approximately 200 abortions. Keeping health care funded through state expenditure would also keep abortion free of charge and thus protect the lives of women.
Another area of social services that needs funding is education.

3,5% of Russia's GDP (58.6 billion dollar) could:
• Cover a little over 1 year of public health expenditure
• Ensure health care for nearly 11 billion people for over 1 year
• Help people that pay for private expenditure on health out-of-pocket for a period of over 2 years
• Support almost 10 months of public spending on education

Russia has spent $ 171.25 million on Arms Imports (in 2010 constant USD).

Sources

http://www.waytorussia.net/WhatIsRussia/Women/Facts.html
http://www.sipri.org/databases
http://www.tradingeconomics.com/russia/indicators/