Low birth rate conquers Russia

(MENAFN) Russia is confronting a growing fertility crisis as the number of women of reproductive age continues to drop sharply, Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova has cautioned.

During a meeting with lawmakers, Golikova highlighted a stark demographic shift, noting that when the country’s initial population strategy was created over ten years ago, there were more than 39 million women aged 18 to 49. That number has since decreased to 34 million and is projected to shrink further to just above 27 million by 2046.

She linked this ongoing population drop to historical disruptions, specifically the aftermath of World War II and the economic instability of the 1990s, both of which led to a lasting impact on birth rates and the number of women able to bear children.

Golikova stressed the importance of incorporating these demographic patterns into the “Family” national project, which is designed to boost birth rates and provide greater support for young parents across the country.

To counteract the declining trend, authorities have rolled out several financial incentives, including one-time payments for childbirth and expanded maternity support. Additionally, the government has reinstated the Soviet-era “Mother Heroine” honor, which rewards women who raise ten or more children with financial compensation.

Other proposed measures include discouraging the spread of “child-free” ideologies and introducing further tax breaks for larger families.

Golikova also pointed out that the core age group for childbearing—women between 20 and 29—is set to reach a record low of 7.18 million in 2026. However, that figure is anticipated to gradually climb to around 9.28 million by 2038.

The situation is already reflected in birth statistics. In 2024, Russia recorded just 1.22 million births—a 3.4% drop from the previous year—marking the lowest figure since 1999. A mild recovery is predicted to begin in 2028, according to national data.

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