Moscow: Russia is dealing with a extreme inhabitants disaster as beginning charges proceed to fall and the proportion of aged residents rises. President Vladimir Putin has grappled with this problem for greater than 25 years and considers it one of many best threats to the nation’s future.
In 1999, the variety of births in Russia fell to a report low. Financial reforms led to a brief rise in births, reaching 1.94 million in 2015. Since then, the beginning fee has declined steadily. In 2024, only one.22 million kids have been born, a determine matching the 1999 low. In February 2025, the beginning fee hit its lowest in over 200 years.
Russia’s shrinking inhabitants has develop into a matter of significant concern. The nation’s complete inhabitants stood at 147.6 million in 1990 however has now decreased to 146.1 million. This rely contains Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014. The variety of residents aged over 55 has risen by about 9 p.c in comparison with 1990, indicating a quickly ageing inhabitants.
Putin has launched a number of initiatives to encourage greater beginning charges. Programmes present free meals, monetary help and recognition for ladies who give beginning to 10 or extra kids, together with the “Hero Mom” medal.
The president emphasises that enormous households have lengthy been a practice in Russia and should be revived.
Specialists cite a number of causes behind the declining beginning fee. Ongoing battle with Ukraine, monetary uncertainty, the emigration of younger folks and opposition to immigration have all contributed to the drop. Authorities insurance policies additionally promote conventional household values by limiting abortion and limiting advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights.
Analysts say that girls are being inspired to have extra kids within the identify of nationalism and patriotism, whereas financial pressures and social challenges typically forestall them from doing so. This demographic disaster carries severe implications for Russia’s financial progress and its long-term strategic capabilities on the worldwide stage.
Russia’s wrestle with inhabitants decline displays a broader concern in regards to the sustainability of its workforce, the care of an ageing inhabitants and the nation’s future productiveness. Authorities efforts purpose to revive inhabitants progress, however social realities and ongoing geopolitical pressures make reversing the pattern a formidable problem.