Population of Russia
Population of Russia |
Main Cities by Population in Russia
(includes boroughs, districts, urban agglomerations, etc.)
Population Distribution 1-10) With a total land mass of 6.6 million square miles, Russia is the world’s largest country by size. However, much of the nation is remote and inhospitable, with people concentrated across 11 time zones in the European west. The population density is just 9 people per square mile reflecting the uneven distribution.
Russia's Heartland 11-20) Russia’s heartland and most densely packed region is the Central Federal District home to towering Moscow and historical capitals like Tver. With 39 million residents, this epicenter around Moscow and the Volga region has 27% of Russia’s total populace. Moscow itself packs 20 million inhabitants as Russia's primate megacity.
The Cold North 21-30) Siberia’s frozen frontiers contain Russia’s coldest terrain, with regions like Magadan averaging -10°C winters. Just 8 million Russians brave these frigid zones year-round despite Siberia's treasure of natural resources. From diamond mines to oil fields, these extreme lands provide income for intrepid settlers.
The Volatile Caucus 31-40) Flanked between the Black and Caspian Seas, Russia’s North Caucasian territories like Chechnya and Dagestan hold just 7 million people amidst intermittent conflicts. Ethnic tensions, harsh mountain geography and past insurgencies contribute to lower settlement incentive.
Russia's Far Eastern Periphery 41-50) Although the Russian Far East is closest to bustling East Asia, just 6.2 million live in these distant Pacific frontiers. However, globalization and warming ties with China are accelerating development in areas like Vladivostok as demographics and economies evolve.
Historical Baltic Hub 51-60) Saint Petersburg emerged as Russia's window to the West from the times of Peter the Great. Still the nation's second city today with 5 million residents, the resplendent Baltic hub blends Slavic and European cultures as Russia’s portal to countries like Finland and Estonia.
Southern Agricultural Zone 61-70) The fertile black soil belts running below cities like Rostov and Voronezh are home to major Russian wheat and barley production feeding millions globally. These agricultural zones are more vital as climate change opens up arable land even further south towards the Caspian.
Ural Mountains Manufacturing Hub 71-80) Russia’s reliable Ural mountain region hosts vital foundries, arms manufacturing and mineral riches supplying Moscow westwards. With heritage factories dotting medieval towns, the strategically vital industrial corridor parallels Kazakhstan housing 5.8 million Russian workers and engineers.
Youth Migration Patterns 81-90) Many small towns and villages in Russia’s remote eastern flanks face acute population decline and ageing with young people moving towards Moscow, St.Petersburg and regional hubs seeking education and opportunities. Reversing this urban drift remains an economic imperative.
Dynamic Demographics 91-100) Demographic challenges like low fertility and premature male mortality pressure the government to offer programs incentivizing larger families. With geopolitics afoot, immigration policy easing can also strategically reshape Russia’s population profile long-term across its under-populated 11 time zones.
With global powers eyeing Russia’s resource riches and landmass spanning continents, the demographic size and distribution of its 143 million populace significantly impacts its global standing into this century, from economics to environmental strategies.