[The demographic situation of Russia at the dawn of the year 2000]

"With naturally low growth rates since the 1960s, the Russian population declined for the first time in 1992, putting the country in sixth place worldwide (148.3 million inhabitants in 1995). The author of this article draws on official statistics and surveys to explain this phenomenon, which is sociological as well as economic and health-related. The reproduction rate is declining, with high infant mortality (20% compared with 6% in the FRG [Germany]), unparalleled adult peacetime mortality and a declining life expectancy. Migratory trends have been reversed since the disintegration of the USSR: once a provider of population, Russia has now become an immigrant land." (EXCERPT)