The Russian Arctic in the Post-Soviet Period: Dynamics of Migration Processes

Abstract:While targeting nine Arctic subjects of Russia, the article attempts to reveal the dynamics of migration processes in the post-Soviet Russian Arctic, and to identify the role of migration in shaping the region's labor resources. The source database includes the materials of the Soviet and Russian censuses as well as statistical data relating to the socioeconomic development of the Russian Federation Arctic zone available on the official website of the Russian State Statistics Service. The research indicates that the positive demographic and migration dynamics of the Soviet period have reversed course after the dissolution of the USSR. From 1990 to 2017, the population of the Russian Arctic decreased by almost 20 percent. Forty percent of this loss can be attributed to migration outflow. At present, the situation has stabilized thanks to state measures supporting fertility and stimulating the development of Arctic areas. Positive changes are apparent in the fact that oil- and gas-producing subjects are currently the main centers attracing migrants from around the country and near abroad. Migration makes up only 5 percent of available labor resources. Of this number, slightly more than 1.0 percent accrues to international migrants.