Russia's population
continues to sink

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According to Russia's Economic Development and Trade Ministry, the number of people living in Russia will continue to decline at least through 2005, reports Pravda online.

The country's population this year stands at approximately 143.6 million, a decrease from last year's figure of 144.5 million. The agency's forecast sets Russia's population at 142.9 million in 2003, 142.2 million in 2004 and 141.6 million in 2005.

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Despite the overall decline, Russia's birthrate is expected to rise to 9.7 births per 1,000 people in 2003. This year, the birthrate is 9.4 births per 1,000. By 2005, the government's report indicates, the birthrate will increase to 10.3 births per 1,000 residents.

The death rate in Russia has stabilized at 15.4 deaths annually per 1,000 people. The rate is expected to remain steady through 2005.

The agency's report also projects an increase in life expectancy by 2005, rising from 64.8 years in 2001 to 66.4 in 2005. Women in Russia, on average, live about 14 years longer than men.

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