International studies show a declining population in the Arctic. The main contribution to the negative dynamics of migration loss belongs to the Russian Federation. The article presents the results of our study of the migration situation in the Murmansk region, which is part of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation. The statistical analysis of the migration movement demonstrates active migration processes in the region. However, despite the increased rates of arrival in the region, the negative dynamics of population decline due to migration loss persists, when the number of people who drop out prevails over the number of arrivals. These data are indicators of a weak settled population in the Murmansk region and social unattractiveness of the region. We also supplemented the statistical analysis of the migration situation with the results of a sociological study of migration behavior, migration attitudes and migration motives of the residents of the Murmansk region. We found that 16% of respondents showed a positive migration attitude, 52% of respondents showed a negative migration attitude, and the share of “potential migrants” was 26%. The key reasons for migration from the North are unfavorable climatic conditions and the unfavorable socio-economic situation in the region. The social portrait of respondents with a positive migration attitude is described by the following socio-demographic variables. Gender - mostly female. Age - from 16 to 66 years (average value was 35 years). The level of education - secondary vocational (or specialized secondary) - 37%, and higher education - 26%. Duration of residence in the Murmansk region - from birth or almost all his life - 71%. Unemployed and employed - demonstrated a positive migration attitude equally. The motivational factors that constrain migration are own housing, employment, job satisfaction, wages and social guarantees, family-related and regional (arctic) identity.

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The Murmansk region, being a strategic Arctic region of Russia, has long been characterized by negative dynamics in the population, mainly due to migration loss. The paper presents the results of a sociological analysis of the living conditions of the Murmansk region population. According to residents, the Murmansk region is a region with adverse climatic and social living conditions. The most urgent problems of the region and its settlements are of a pronounced institutional nature and are associated with the poor development of social infrastructure. Among them are problems in the areas of employment and labor, healthcare, education, leisure, road infrastructure, housing and communal services. In general, residents of the region note the inefficiency of “northern social benefits”, low living standards, poverty, low salaries and pensions amid high prices for goods and services in the region. These factors serve as a motivational basis for the formation of negative migration attitudes of residents of the Murmansk region.

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