Overview of Russia and the Post-Soviet States
Russia is the largest country in the world by area, covering an area of 17,098,242 km2. It is home to an estimated population of 142.9 million people, making it the world�s ninth-most populous country. The Russian Federation is a multi-ethnic state composed of more than 160 ethnicities, each with their own unique culture and language. It is bordered by fourteen countries, including several post-Soviet states such as Ukraine, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Belarus.
The post-Soviet states refer to the 15 independent countries that emerged after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. These countries include Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. These countries have seen significant changes in their economies, politics, and societies since their independence. They are now highly diverse and have a wide range of political, economic, and social systems.
Population Density in Russia
The population density of Russia is 8.3 people per km2, which is relatively low compared to other countries. Much of the country is sparsely populated, with the majority of the population concentrated in the urban centers. The highest population density can be found in Moscow, which has a population density of 18.2 people per km2. Other large cities such as Saint Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, and Novosibirsk also have higher population densities.
The majority of the population lives in the European part of the country, which makes up around 77% of the total population. The country�s population is also relatively young, with the median age being 38.5 years old. The population is expected to continue to decline in the coming decades due to its low fertility rate, aging population, and high mortality rate.
Population Density in the Post-Soviet States
The post-Soviet states have significantly higher population densities than Russia. The highest population density can be found in Estonia, with a population density of 35 people per km2. Lithuania, Latvia, and Ukraine also have relatively high population densities, with 24, 23, and 78 people per km2 respectively. The rest of the post-Soviet states have lower population densities, with Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Azerbaijan having the lowest population densities of 6, 5, and 4 people per km2 respectively.
The post-Soviet states also have relatively young populations, with the median age ranging from 23 to 39 years old. The population growth rate of these countries is also higher than that of Russia, with most countries having a positive population growth rate. However, some countries such as Ukraine, Belarus, and Moldova have experienced population declines due to emigration and low fertility rates.
Demographic Changes in Russia and the Post-Soviet States
The demographic changes that have taken place in