Data collection on population dynamics by Rosstat ceased.
Rosstat, Russia's federal statistics agency, has recently withheld or ceased publishing various demographic and migration statistics, including life expectancy figures by region and data on births, deaths, marriages, and divorces. This decision is part of a broader trend of restricting access to sensitive information, exacerbated by ongoing geopolitical tensions and the need to control the narrative around the war's impact on Russia's population and economy.
### Reasons for Withholding Statistics
The Russian government has been increasingly controlling the flow of information, particularly data that could reflect negatively on the state of the country. This includes demographic trends and the impact of military activities on population figures. Demographic data can be politically sensitive, especially if it highlights challenges such as declining birth rates or increased mortality associated with military conflicts. By withholding these statistics, the government may aim to avoid public scrutiny and debate.
The lack of transparency in data collection and dissemination makes it difficult for independent observers to assess the true state of Russia's demographics, further complicating international understanding and analysis.
### Implications of the Omission
1. Difficulty in Assessing Demographic Trends: The absence of detailed demographic data makes it challenging for researchers and policymakers to understand the current demographic situation in Russia. This includes being unable to accurately assess birth rates, mortality trends, and migration patterns.
2. Impact on Policy Development: Without reliable demographic data, it becomes harder to develop effective policies aimed at addressing demographic challenges such as low birth rates or aging populations. Current initiatives, like reviving the "childless tax," might not be based on accurate demographic assessments.
3. International Perception and Analysis: The lack of transparency in demographic statistics can lead to skepticism from international observers and analysts. This might affect how Russia is perceived globally, potentially influencing diplomatic relations and economic partnerships.
In the first quarter of 2025, the statistics showed a record influx of migrants into Russia, but this information is not included in the new Rosstat report. Moreover, the report does not include data on the difference between the number of arrivals from other countries and departures from Russia, nor does it provide general data on population reproduction, such as number of births and deaths, marriages, and divorces.
The Krasnodar region's current data on the number of lacking doctors and teachers was previously reported, but no new information about the overall migration situation has been included in the new Rosstat report. Demographer Alexei Raksha states that Russia effectively has almost no public demographic statistics since March 2025.
The new Rosstat report, titled "Social and Economic Situation of Russia" for January-May 2025, was published on July 2, 2025. The suspension of demographic data publication by Rosstat reflects a broader strategy of information control and has significant implications for both domestic policy-making and international relations.
- The suspension of demographic data publication by Rosstat, such as information regarding births, deaths, marriages, and divorces, may contribute to the Russian government's efforts to avoid public scrutiny and debate about the potential challenges, including declining birth rates or increased mortality, in the education-and-self-development sector due to ongoing military activities.
- In the realm of politics, the withholding of general news about migration patterns and population reproduction, including data on migration, arrivals, and departures, can impact policy development and international perception, making it challenging for policymakers to address demographic challenges effectively and for international observers to accurately analyze Russia's situation.
