Population Decline Case Study: Russia

Question 1

Effects of decline

Answer 1

Decline in rural areas and cold northern regions experience depopulation
8500 villages have been abandoned since 2002
1/5 of the population are potential immigrants
Trying to urge people to have more children
2008-Russia began honouring families with 4 or more children with a Paternal Glory Medal.

Question 2

Reasons for decline

Answer 2

High death rates-15 per 1000 a year, many to do with alcoholism
Low birth rates-economic hardship and alcoholism-10 per 1000
Abortions-during Soviet era it was quite common as a method of contraception and is still common today
Low immigration and high emigration
High cost of raising children keeps birth rates low
Communist to market economy so some are less well off
High use of contraception-80% married women use it