Russia is ramping up efforts to reverse its demographic decline, using increasingly restrictive laws to address a shrinking and aging population. At a Kremlin demographic conference on October 23, President Vladimir Putin called boosting birth rates “crucial,” echoing his ongoing concerns since 2005.
While past incentives included medals for large families and cash benefits, recent measures target abortion access and “child-free ideology.” New laws ban LGBTQ+ activism and restrict abortion-inducing pills, while some regions prohibit promoting abortion altogether. Critics warn these policies risk harming women’s health without increasing births, as Russia’s fertility rate remains at 1.4—well below replacement level.
The demographic crisis is compounded by economic instability, war-related emigration, and a diminished pool of young adults. Western estimates suggest hundreds of thousands of Russian troops have died in Ukraine, while many young Russians have fled abroad. Immigration remains tightly controlled, with officials cracking down on migrant workers and their families.
Despite symbolic gestures like state holidays celebrating motherhood, experts argue that restrictive laws and patriotic appeals won’t offset decades of demographic strain.
While the global population is still growing, Russia is one among many countries projected to shrink in population size by 2050. Curious where your country stands? Explore this gallery of the top 20 population declines.