ABSTRACT
PIP: Current demographic trends in the northwestern region of Russia, one of the regions most affected by depopulation, are analyzed. The author discusses the general decline in the standard of living and the decrease in the funding available for providing social services, as well as unemployment in the local military industry, as the main causes of the deterioration of the demographic situation. Data are presented by sex. Fertility seems to have reached its lowest level and mortality its highest in 1994, with a modest improvement in both indicators since then. The author compares trends among various ethnic groups and geographic regions. High levels of mortality among the young, and the contribution of alcoholism to mortality rates, continue to give cause for concern.^ieng
