Lie down and think of the President

Sometimes you get an offer you cannot refuse. I wonder how many women of child-bearing age in the republic of Turkmenistan will be wondering whether to jump at the chance of the equivalent of £125 as a reward for taking the risk of conceiving and delivering more than eight children?

That is the enticing offer on the table (or should it be the mattress) from Turkmenistan’s President in a desperate attempt to raise the birth rate and increase the natural rate of population growth in one of the world’s most desolate states. The BBC reports that those who qualify for Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov’s reward will receive a one-off payment of $250 (£125). And there is more .... free health care and dental treatment for the rest of your days .... but no sign of a life long supply of nappies or sleeping tablets

The five million people of Turkmenistan have a (PPP adjusted) per capital national income of just $1340 according to 2005 data from the World Bank.
Average life expectancy is in the mid 60s and only 4% of the population is aged over 65. The CIA’s World Economic Factbook claims that “Turkmenistan’s economic statistics are state secrets, and GDP and other figures are subject to wide margins of error. In particular, the rate of GDP growth is uncertain.”

For those of you tempted to emigrate and make your own personal contribution to the impending baby boom in Turkmenistan, I have provided you with essential information on the TMM/Euro exchange rate. Their currency is depreciating fast against the Euro, that might be a factor in your decision.