Russia is the largest country in the world, spanning over two continents and nine time zones. The population of Russia has been a topic of interest for many years, with various estimates and projections being made. As of 2021, the estimated population of Russia is approximately 144 million people, making it the ninth most populous country in the world.
The population of Russia has been steadily declining since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. This decline has been attributed to a number of factors, including low birth rates, high mortality rates, and emigration. Despite efforts by the Russian government to increase the birth rate and attract immigrants, the population continues to decline. This has led to concerns about the long-term sustainability of the country's economy and social systems.
Current Population of Russia
Russia is the largest country in the world by land area, spanning across 11 time zones. As of the latest estimates in 2021, the population of Russia is approximately 146.7 million people, making it the ninth most populous country globally.
The population of Russia has been steadily declining since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, due to factors such as a low birth rate, high mortality rate, and emigration. In recent years, the government has implemented policies to encourage population growth, such as financial incentives for families with multiple children and improving healthcare access.
The majority of the population resides in urban areas, with Moscow being the most populous city in Russia with over 12 million inhabitants. Other major cities include St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, and Yekaterinburg.
Here are some key demographic statistics about the population of Russia:
- Age structure: 0-14 years (17.6%), 15-64 years (69.6%), 65+ years (12.8%)
- Gender ratio: 1.06 male(s)/female
- Life expectancy: 70.4 years (male), 78.2 years (female)
- Ethnic groups: Russian (79.4%), Tatar (3.7%), Ukrainian (1.4%), Bashkir (1.1%), Chuvash (1%), Chechen (0.9%), other (12.5%)
Overall, the population of Russia continues to face challenges such as an aging population and a shrinking workforce. However, the government's efforts to address these issues may help to stabilize and potentially increase the population in the future.
Historical Population Trends
Russia has a long and complex history, and its population has fluctuated significantly over time. Here are some of the key historical population trends in Russia:
-
Pre-Modern Era: Before the 18th century, Russia's population was relatively small and scattered. In 1700, the estimated population was around 16 million.
-
18th and 19th Centuries: During the 18th and 19th centuries, Russia experienced significant population growth, largely due to territorial expansion and improved living conditions. By 1897, the population had reached 128 million.
-
Soviet Era: The Soviet Union's population grew rapidly in the early 20th century, largely due to increased industrialization and urbanization. By 1959, the population had reached 208 million.
-
Post-Soviet Era: Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia's population declined significantly due to a combination of factors, including low birth rates, high mortality rates, and emigration. As of 2021, the estimated population of Russia is around 144 million.
Overall, Russia's population has been shaped by a variety of historical, political, and economic factors. While the country has experienced periods of significant growth, it has also faced significant challenges in maintaining a stable and sustainable population over time.
Population Density and Distribution
Russia is the largest country in the world, and its population density is relatively low. According to the latest estimates, the population density of Russia is approximately 8.4 people per square kilometre. This is significantly lower than the global average of 56 people per square kilometre.
The population of Russia is not evenly distributed across the country. The majority of the population is concentrated in the western part of the country, particularly in the cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg. In fact, Moscow alone has a population of over 12 million people, which is more than the entire population of some European countries.
The eastern part of Russia, on the other hand, is sparsely populated. The region is dominated by vast, uninhabited areas of tundra, taiga, and mountains. The population density in these areas is extremely low, with some regions having less than one person per square kilometre.
Overall, the population density and distribution of Russia are heavily influenced by its geography and history. The country's vast size, harsh climate, and difficult terrain have made it challenging for people to settle and thrive in many parts of the country. However, the population has concentrated in certain areas due to economic opportunities and historical factors.
Demographics of Russia
Age Structure
Russia has a total population of approximately 144 million people, making it the ninth most populous country in the world. The age structure of the country is relatively evenly distributed, with around 13% of the population under the age of 15, 71% between the ages of 15 and 64, and 16% over the age of 65.
The median age of the population is 39 years, with slightly more women than men in the country. The life expectancy at birth is around 72 years for men and 78 years for women.
Gender Ratio
Russia has a slightly higher proportion of women than men, with a gender ratio of 0.86 males to every female. This is partly due to the fact that women tend to live longer than men in the country. The ratio is also influenced by the fact that more men than women die in Russia due to factors such as alcoholism, smoking, and accidents.
In terms of education, women in Russia have higher levels of attainment than men, with around 54% of women having a tertiary education compared to 41% of men. However, women are still underrepresented in many areas of public life, including politics and business.
Overall, the demographics of Russia reflect a country with a relatively even age structure and a slightly higher proportion of women than men.
Urban and Rural Population
Russia is a vast country with a population of approximately 144 million people. The population is divided into urban and rural areas. According to the latest data, the urban population of Russia is around 74%, while the remaining 26% live in rural areas.
The urban population is concentrated in large cities such as Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, and Yekaterinburg. These cities are home to millions of people and are the economic and cultural hubs of the country. The urban population is diverse, with people from different ethnicities and backgrounds living together.
In contrast, the rural population is spread across the vast countryside and is predominantly made up of ethnic Russians. The rural population is engaged in agriculture, forestry, and fishing. The rural areas of Russia face many challenges, including a lack of infrastructure, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions.
Overall, the urban population of Russia is increasing, while the rural population is decreasing. This trend is due to the migration of people from rural areas to urban areas in search of better job opportunities and a higher standard of living. However, the Russian government is taking steps to improve the conditions in rural areas and encourage people to stay in their hometowns.
Population Growth Rate
Russia's population growth rate has been on a steady decline since the 1990s. In 2020, the growth rate was estimated to be -0.11%, which means that the population is decreasing by approximately 160,000 people per year.
There are several factors that contribute to this decline in population growth rate. One of the main reasons is the low birth rate, which has been below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman since the 1990s. Another reason is the high death rate, which is linked to factors such as alcoholism, smoking, and a lack of access to quality healthcare.
The following table shows the population growth rate of Russia from 2010 to 2020:
| Year | Population Growth Rate |
|---|---|
| 2010 | -0.02% |
| 2011 | -0.06% |
| 2012 | -0.07% |
| 2013 | -0.05% |
| 2014 | -0.01% |
| 2015 | 0.01% |
| 2016 | 0.03% |
| 2017 | 0.04% |
| 2018 | 0.03% |
| 2019 | 0.02% |
| 2020 | -0.11% |
It is worth noting that the population growth rate of Russia is not uniform across the country. Some regions, such as Moscow and St. Petersburg, have a positive growth rate due to migration, while others, such as Siberia and the Far East, have a negative growth rate due to a lack of economic opportunities and harsh living conditions.
Overall, the declining population growth rate is a significant challenge for Russia, as it will have long-term implications for its economy, social welfare, and geopolitical influence.
Projections for the Future
The population of Russia has been declining since the 1990s due to low birth rates and emigration. However, the population is projected to stabilise in the coming years. According to the United Nations (UN), the population of Russia is expected to decline from 144 million in 2020 to 135 million by 2050.
The declining population is a major concern for the Russian government, as it could lead to a shortage of workers and a decline in economic growth. To address this issue, the government has introduced several measures to encourage people to have more children, such as financial incentives and increased maternity leave.
However, these measures have had limited success so far, and it remains to be seen whether they will be enough to reverse the population decline. In addition, Russia's ageing population is also a concern, as it could lead to increased healthcare costs and a decline in productivity.
Overall, while the population of Russia is projected to stabilise in the coming years, the government will need to continue to address the issue of population decline and ageing if it wants to ensure long-term economic growth and stability.
Challenges and Implications
Russia's population has been declining for decades, and this trend is expected to continue in the coming years. This decline poses significant challenges and implications for the country's economy, social welfare, and political stability.
One of the most significant challenges is the impact on the labour force. As the population declines, the number of working-age people also decreases. This can lead to a shortage of skilled workers, which can negatively affect the country's economic growth. Additionally, the ageing population may require more healthcare and social services, putting a strain on the government's budget.
Another challenge is the effect on the country's political stability. A shrinking population can lead to a loss of political power and influence in the international community. This could have implications for Russia's ability to protect its interests and maintain its position as a global power.
The declining population also has implications for the country's social welfare system. As the number of elderly people increases, there may be a greater demand for pensions and other forms of social support. This could put a strain on the government's finances and lead to a reduction in the quality of social services.
In conclusion, the declining population in Russia poses significant challenges and implications for the country's economy, political stability, and social welfare system. It is essential for the government to address this issue and implement policies that encourage population growth and support the country's long-term development.