Russia's population shrinks ninth year running

Official statistics show a decline in Russia's natural population growth for the ninth consecutive year, according to Rosstat data. The almost £760 billion "Demography" state program and the encouragement from the Russian leader have not produced the desired results.

Rosstat, the Federal State Statistics Service, has released the latest demographic data for Russia, which has disappointed the authorities. The Kremlin claims it's doing everything possible to increase the birth rate. The "Demography" state program was initiated, worth nearly £760 billion.

"Many of our ethnic groups have preserved the tradition of having strong multigenerational families with four, five, or even more children. Let us remember that Russian families, many of our grandmothers and great-grandmothers had seven, eight, or even more children."

Putin stated that Russia is facing serious demographic challenges, and reviving the tradition of large families is essential to overcome these issues. However, these efforts have not been fruitful.

As reported by Rosstat on Friday, the country lost another 143,000 people in January and February 2024. Although the number of births increased for the first time in years (by 1 percent, to about 221,000 children), the number of deaths rose significantly more—by 10 percent, reaching 364,000.

As a result, compared to last year's timeframe, the natural decline rate grew by 27 percent, with the country's population decreasing at an average rate of 2,300 people per day.

Official statistics have shown a decrease in natural population growth for the ninth consecutive year. Rosstat's long-term predictions suggest this trend will continue in the coming decades.