Russian population continues to decline - censusDecember 16, 2011 - 13:14 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russia has lost 2.3 million people in nearly a decade, according to the official results of the county’s second post-Soviet census, released on Friday, December 16. Russia’s population declined from 145.2 million in 2002 to 142.9 million last year, the statistical agency, Rosstat, said. Low birthrates and declining life expectancy have had the most effect on Russia’s heartland rural areas, with 8,500 villages said to be have been abandoned since 2002. Of Russia’s 134,000 villages, 19,400 are now empty. The new data also suggests that there are now 10.7 million more women than there are men - up from 10 million in 2002. The population’s average age is now hovering around 39 years - again up from 37.7 in 2002. 80.9 percent of respondents identified themselves as Russians. The second largest ethnic group was Tatars (3.9 percent). Ukrainians (1.4 percent, down from 2 percent in 2002) were in third place, RIA Novosti reported. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |