Russia’s population is shrinking rapidly. Putin is trying to put a stop to that

For 25 years, Vladimir Putin has pushed for higher birth rates, but the numbers keep sliding. After climbing from 1.21 million births in 1999 to 1.94 million in 2015, Russia recorded just 1.22 million last year, and February 2025 saw the lowest monthly tally in over two centuries. The population has edged down to 146.1 million and is markedly older. Despite incentives, medals and family holidays, and new curbs on abortion, child-free messaging and LGBTQ+ activism, war, economic uncertainty, emigration and anti-migrant sentiment sap confidence. Critics warn restrictions won't raise births, only risk women's health.

Reviewed by JQJO team

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