The paper considers the features of the demographic processes in the Russian Arctic zone by the example of Chukotka Autonomous Okrug in the period from 1939 to 2017. The future of the Arctic depends in large part on its demographic potential. What should be the population of the territory, how the space is organized, whether the population is needed, or enough of the watch organization of production: what should be done (or what not to do) so that the way of life of the native and the indigenous population remained in harmony with the environment, and at the same time solved large-scale tasks in the interests of the country. The study uses the method of constructing and comparing demographic pyramids for different time periods. There are specified demographic groups that differ in their reproductive behavior. On this basis, time periods were identified, within which demographic processes were going in different ways that allows us to assess the relationship between the nature and outcome of these processes and the structure of population at different stages of history. Based on the prospective analysis of the demographic processes in the territory of development of this part of the country, there was revealed the specific in the dynamics and features of the formation of the demographic potential through natural reproduction and migration movement of the indigenous people and newcomers. The authors examined the changes in the population structure at the time of population growth due to intensive arrivals before 1990 and the dramatic decrease as a result of the outflow in the 1990 s, which significantly changed the structure of the population, the ratio between different groups. This approach to analysis of demographic indicators may be used in elaboration of strategic plans for socio-economic development of the region. It gives an adequate assessment of the current situation, helps to formulate in strategic documents the goals and objectives of socioeconomic development, to determine the priorities in the regional demographic policy.
