Russia is the largest country in the world in terms of land area, spanning across two continents and eleven time zones. The population of Russia has been a topic of interest for many, as it is the ninth most populous country in the world. As of 2021, the estimated population of Russia is approximately 144.5 million people, according to the World Bank.
The population of Russia has been a subject of debate and speculation over the years, with varying estimates and projections. The country has experienced fluctuations in population due to factors such as wars, epidemics, and migration. Despite this, Russia remains a significant player on the world stage, with a diverse population that includes over 190 ethnic groups. Understanding the population dynamics of Russia is crucial for policymakers and researchers alike, as it can inform decisions on issues such as healthcare, education, and economic development.
Current Population of Russia
Russia is the largest country in the world, spanning two continents and covering over 17 million square kilometers. As of 2021, the estimated population of Russia is approximately 144.5 million people, making it the ninth most populous country in the world.
The population of Russia has been steadily declining since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. In the 1990s, the country experienced a significant drop in population due to a combination of factors including a low birth rate, high mortality rate, and emigration. However, in recent years, the population decline has slowed down, and the government has implemented various policies to encourage population growth.
The population of Russia is predominantly urban, with over 74% of the population living in cities and towns. The largest cities in Russia are Moscow, with a population of over 12 million, and St. Petersburg, with a population of over 5 million. Other major cities include Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, Nizhny Novgorod, and Kazan.
The ethnic composition of Russia is diverse, with over 190 ethnic groups living within its borders. The largest ethnic group is the Russians, who make up around 80% of the population. Other significant ethnic groups include Tatars, Ukrainians, Bashkirs, Chuvash, and Chechens.
In conclusion, the current population of Russia is approximately 144.5 million people, and while the population decline has slowed down in recent years, the country still faces challenges in maintaining a stable and growing population.
Historical Population Trends
Russia has a long and complex history when it comes to population trends. The country has experienced significant changes in population size due to factors such as war, famine, and political upheaval.
In the early 19th century, Russia's population was around 40 million. By the start of World War I, this number had grown to over 170 million. However, the country suffered significant population losses during the war, with an estimated 3 million soldiers and 1.5 million civilians losing their lives.
Following the Russian Revolution in 1917, the country's population continued to grow, reaching a peak of over 293 million in 1991. However, the collapse of the Soviet Union led to a decline in population, with many people leaving the country in search of better economic opportunities.
Today, Russia's population stands at just over 144 million, according to the latest estimates. The country has one of the lowest birth rates in the world, and its population is projected to decline further in the coming years. However, the government has implemented various policies aimed at boosting birth rates and encouraging immigration to help stabilize the population.
Demographics Breakdown
Age Structure
The population of Russia is estimated to be around 144 million people, making it the ninth most populous country in the world. The age structure of the population is as follows:
- 0-14 years: 17.5%
- 15-24 years: 11.9%
- 25-54 years: 45.9%
- 55-64 years: 12.8%
- 65 years and over: 12.0%
The median age of the population is 39.8 years, with a slightly higher percentage of females than males.
Gender Ratio
The gender ratio in Russia is skewed towards females, with 53.7% of the population being female and 46.3% being male. This is partially due to a higher life expectancy for women, with the average life expectancy for females being 77 years and for males being 67 years.
The table below provides a breakdown of the population by gender and age group:
| Age Group | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| 0-14 | 9.3% | 8.2% |
| 15-24 | 6.3% | 5.6% |
| 25-54 | 24.0% | 21.9% |
| 55-64 | 6.8% | 6.0% |
| 65+ | 5.9% | 6.1% |
Overall, the population of Russia is aging, with a declining birth rate and increasing life expectancy. This has implications for the country's economy and social welfare system, as the number of elderly citizens requiring support is expected to increase in the coming years.
Urban vs Rural Population
Russia is a vast country with a total population of 144.5 million people, making it the ninth most populous country in the world. The population of Russia is divided into two main categories: urban and rural.
As of 2021, the urban population of Russia was estimated to be 109.5 million, which accounts for approximately 75.8% of the total population. On the other hand, the rural population of Russia was estimated to be 35 million, which accounts for approximately 24.2% of the total population.
The urban population of Russia is concentrated in the major cities such as Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, and Yekaterinburg. These cities are the economic and cultural hubs of the country and attract people from all over Russia. The urban population of Russia is growing at a faster rate than the rural population due to the migration of people from rural areas to urban areas in search of better job opportunities and a higher standard of living.
In contrast, the rural population of Russia is spread across the vast countryside, and most of the rural areas are sparsely populated. The rural population of Russia is declining due to the aging population and the migration of young people to urban areas. The rural areas of Russia are characterized by agricultural activities, and most of the rural population is involved in farming and livestock rearing.
In conclusion, the urban population of Russia is significantly higher than the rural population, and this trend is likely to continue in the future. The urban areas of Russia are the economic and cultural centers of the country, while the rural areas are characterized by agriculture and farming.
Population Density
Russia is the largest country in the world in terms of land area, spanning over 17 million square kilometers. However, despite its vast size, Russia's population density is relatively low. As of 2021, the population density of Russia is approximately 8.4 people per square kilometre, making it one of the least densely populated countries in the world.
The population density varies greatly across the country, with some regions being more densely populated than others. The majority of the population lives in urban areas, particularly in Moscow and St. Petersburg. In these cities, the population density is much higher than the national average, with over 4,000 people per square kilometre in some areas.
On the other hand, many rural areas of Russia have a very low population density, with less than one person per square kilometre in some regions. This is due to a combination of factors, including the harsh climate, poor infrastructure, and a lack of economic opportunities.
Overall, while Russia may be the largest country in the world, its population density is relatively low. The majority of the population is concentrated in urban areas, while many rural regions remain sparsely populated.
Population Growth Rate
Russia has experienced a fluctuating population growth rate over the past few decades. In the 1990s, the country saw a significant decline in its population due to the breakup of the Soviet Union, economic instability, and a decline in birth rates. However, since the mid-2000s, Russia's population growth rate has increased, albeit slowly.
According to the World Bank, Russia's population growth rate was 0.04% in 2020. This is a slight increase from the previous year, where the growth rate was 0.03%. The slow growth rate can be attributed to several factors, including a low birth rate and high mortality rate.
Russia's birth rate has been declining since the 1990s, and it currently stands at 11.6 births per 1,000 people. This is lower than the replacement level of 21 births per 1,000 people, which is necessary to maintain a stable population. The country's mortality rate is also high, with 13.4 deaths per 1,000 people in 2020.
The Russian government has implemented several measures to encourage population growth, including financial incentives for families to have more children and improving healthcare services. However, these measures have yet to have a significant impact on the population growth rate.
In conclusion, Russia's population growth rate has been slow in recent years due to a low birth rate and high mortality rate. The government's efforts to address this issue have yet to yield significant results.
Projections for the Future
Russia's population is projected to continue decreasing in the coming years. According to the United Nations, the population is expected to decline from 144 million in 2020 to 130 million in 2050. This trend is largely due to low birth rates and high mortality rates, particularly among men.
The Russian government has implemented policies aimed at increasing the birth rate, including financial incentives for families who have more children. However, these policies have had limited success so far. Additionally, the country is facing an ageing population, which will put a strain on healthcare and pension systems.
Migration could potentially offset some of the population decline, but it is a controversial issue in Russia. The government has tightened immigration policies in recent years, making it more difficult for foreigners to obtain work permits and citizenship.
Overall, the future of Russia's population is uncertain. While the government is taking steps to address the issue, it remains to be seen whether these efforts will be enough to reverse the downward trend.