Depopulation in European Russian Regions in 1992–2024

Abstract

The subject of the study is the permanent population of those regions of European Russia where stable natural decline (depopulation) took place in general for 1992–2024. The topic of the study is the absolute and relative scale of depopulation, the ratio of its main components (fertility and mortality), as well as the most significant demographic factors of this negative process; First, this is the migration component (migration external to the regions), compensating or aggravating the demographic development of these territories. The purpose of the study is to identify among the regions of European Russia that have experienced depopulation in general over 33 post-Soviet years, groups that are typical in terms of the most significant characteristics, to reveal the main factors affecting the level of depopulation and the nature of demographic development in them. Research methods are demographic statistical analysis, the use of relative demographic indicators for correct inter-territorial comparison. The source of all data for calculations is Russian Federal State Statistics Service (Rosstat). Results of the study: three typical groups of regions of European Russia are identified according to the scale and nature of depopulation and the role of migration processes in them. The first group is the regions with the maximum level of depopulation coefficient, which suffered largely during the Great Patriotic War and/or subsequent migration processes. The second group is the socio-economically successful territories of the European part of Russia, which have a moderate depopulation coefficient and largely compensate for the natural decline with migration growth, primarily from other regions of Russia. The third group is regions that have a moderate level of depopulation, despite the migration loss from them. First, these are the regions of the European Far North and the northern Cis-Urals. Scientific contribution includes a methodology for correct territorial comparison of Russian regions according to the scale and nature of depopulation in them has been supplemented and applied. Conclusions: The European and Asian parts of Russia are developing demographically disproportionately. Throughout the post-Soviet period, the European part has been “fed” by the population through migration at the expense of the Asian part. The problems facing us require the opposite. This vector can be reversed through the efforts of the state and considering the economic market economy. The scope of application of the results is to provide social services and monitoring for those interested in the demographic problem of Russian regions.