01 October 2003 04:14
Russia`s child population is declining
MOSCOW. Oct 1 (Interfax) - The number of children living in Russia is rapidly declining.
"In 1990, Russia had 40 million children. In 2003, we have only a little more than 30 million. Research shows
that by 2010, this number will inevitably decline to 25 million," Valery Yelizarov, director of the Center for
Demographic Issues, told a news conference on Wednesday.
Yelizarov ties the rapid aging of the Russian population to flaws in state family policy. "Of course it is not
possible to regulate the birthrate, but it is possible to create social factors to promote it. Better economic
conditions and larger child benefits will give families more freedom to have or not to have children," he said. [RU
EEU EUROPE ASIA EMRG POL] av < >
[CEIW] |
RUSSIA IN FACTS
