Russia Classifies Population Data as Birth Rates Plunge to 200-Year Low

Russia's recent decline in birth rates, plummeting to its lowest level in centuries, is a critical demographic development with significant implications for the country's future:

1. **Significance of the Decline**: The drop in births, particularly in February 2025, marks the lowest monthly figure in over 200 years. In the first two months of the year, the birth rate fell by 3%, with February seeing a 7.6% year-over-year decline. This is part of a broader trend of natural population decline, with deaths also decreasing, but not enough to offset the falling birth rate.
2. **Causes of the Decline**: Various factors are contributing to Russia's declining birth rates, including:
- **Policies**: Efforts to boost the birth rate through policies promoting traditional values and encouraging larger families seem to be ineffective.
- **Economic Factors**: The economic challenges faced by many Russians, including high inflation and unemployment, may be deterring families from having more children.
- **Social Attitudes**: Changing social attitudes towards family size and career aspirations among young people are also playing a role.
3. **Demographic Projections**: If current trends continue, Russia's population is projected to decline significantly. By 2045, the number of births is expected to remain 25% lower than before the 2014 annexation of Crimea. The population could fall to 138.8 million by 2046, or even to 130 million in a more pessimistic scenario.
4. **Implications**: This demographic shift could have far-reaching consequences for Russia's economy, society, and military. A smaller, aging population could strain the country's social welfare system and reduce its workforce, potentially affecting its global standing and international relations.

In conclusion, Russia's plummeting birth rates to a 200-year low is a critical demographic crisis with multifaceted causes and profound implications for the country's future. It underscores the need for comprehensive policies addressing economic stability, social support, and cultural attitudes to reverse this trend.