http://www.boston.com/dailynews/295/world/Russia_s_population_shrinks_by:.shtml

Russia's population shrinks by nearly 590,000 people so far this year

By Associated Press, 10/22/2001 20:23

MOSCOW (AP) Russia's population shrank by more than half a million people, or 0.4 percent, in the first eight months of 2001, officials said Monday.

The drop of 589,700 people continued a trend that has long had Russian officials worried. In 1999, seen as the worst of recent years, the drop was 768,000 or 0.5 percent.

Russia's population is now 144.2 million people, the State Statistics Committee said.

The government is seeking to counter Russia's sharp population decline with a program aimed at improving health, encouraging women to bear more children and fostering immigration.

Russia is plagued by heavy drinking, poor nutrition and medical care, and environmental pollution. Low birth rates combine with a short average life span to accelerate the population drop.

-- Anonymous, October 22, 2001