The First One in 15 Years
Something must be going right in Russia's economy and society. A significant increase in the birth rate of a country is only possible when more people have faith in their incomes and hope for the future. Some demographic experts attribute the recent growth in births to President Putin’s policy of making payments to Russian mothers, while others think that it’s just a coincidence.
On Friday the Kansas Times newspaper quoted the Russian Health and Social Development minister's happy announcement. According to new government statistics, last year the Russian Federation witnessed the highest number of children born since the collapse of the Soviet Union fifteen years ago.
In her remarks to the news media, Mrs. Golikova praised the maternity incentives implemented by the Russian government last year, including higher payments for mothers of children under 18 months, social benefits for unemployed mothers, and payouts of about $9,500 for the birth of two or more children (so called “baby-money”).
“Russia has not seen such a baby boom for 15 years, the highest number of births since 1991,” Mrs. Golikova said, adding that 1.6 million babies were born last year. Overall, Russia recorded 122,750 more live births in 2007 than in 2006.
Demographic issues are widely seen as one of the main threats to the stability of modern Russia, as the country seeks to build a modern economy and recover from the economic hardships of the 1990s. Many Russian government officials and economists are concerned that Russia could face a severe shortage of qualified workers over the next several decades. According to United Nations estimates, Russia’s population, currently measured at about 142 million people, could fall by over 30 percent by the year 2050.
Comments
I agree that this sure does tell a lot about how optimistic young Russians are feeling. About society, the economic climate, love for country. Russians surely responded to their country's call and the results are evident.
A population of 200m by 2050 is now more likely than a population of 100m, in my opinion.
Posted by: colleen | February 6, 2008 9:17 AM
Can you give a link to the interview? I would like to read it.
Posted by: Simeon | February 6, 2008 10:42 AM
Goo, goo, gah, gah.
"Demographic issues are widely seen as one of the main threats to the stability of modern Russia, as the country seeks to build a modern economy and recover from the economic hardships of the 1990s. Many Russian government officials and economists are concerned that Russia could face a severe shortage of qualified workers over the next several decades. According to United Nations estimates, Russia’s population, currently measured at about 142 million people, could fall by over 30 percent by the year 2050."
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So much can be done on that and other points. Like successfully recruiting talented others from abroad who would benefit Russia in a number of areas including media and public relations.
Posted by: Michael Averko | February 7, 2008 4:25 AM
Yes it is great to see this faith in the country. I am a transplanted Canadian who with my Russian wife helped to contribute to this baby boom when my daughter was born here in SPB last Oct. I am using my skills to help Russians improve their English in the State University and I am very happy that these students plan on staying in Russia because they are confident in their country.
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Posted by: Baby Buggy | June 23, 2009 7:20 AM