Population Dynamics of the Largest Cities in Eastern Siberia (1970–1979)

Abstract

During the period 1970–1979, Krasnoyarsk krai and Irkutsk oblast were undergoing rapid innovative and strategic industrial development, which was a powerful incentive for urban development and the influx of a large number of young migrants from all over the country. Krasnoyarsk and Irkutsk are the largest cities in Eastern Siberia and Siberian significant administrative, industrial, and transport centers, which also received an impetus for accelerated growth. However, despite the influx of financial and human resources, the population of Krasnoyarsk was increasing mainly due to natural growth, which was gradually decreasing by the end of the period under review. Irkutsk, on the contrary, owing to the influx of migrants, showed population growth. Thus, we see a reflection of the general processes of the third stage of demographic transition on local material. In addition, observable were nation-wide phenomena related to state social and demographic policies. When analyzing the annual dynamics of the population, we see that the main role in its changes was played by migration flows, which depended on the economic situation. In addition, when comparing the indicators with other major cities and with data for the country as a whole, one can identify specifics in terms of higher birthrates and lower mortality, which indicates the influence of the economic–geographical location and the local sociocultural situation on the pace and quality of the demographic transition processes.