Descending

In 1992, Russia's population was 149 million people, and by 2003 it had dropped to 143 million. If the current economic and social policies are maintained, the country could suffer a 30% demographic decline over the next 5 years. Such data is contained in a World Bank report published today. The ten leading causes of death in the Russian Federation are non-communicable diseases and injuries. The average life expectancy for men and women is 58 and 66 years, respectively.