Migration processes in the Sakha Republic (Yakutia)

Abstract

The article examines trends in migration dynamics in the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) and for the period 1960-2018. The transformations under way show a significant reduction in migration volumes and changes in the structure and direction of migration flows. The share of infra-Republican migration is increasing within a context of an overall decline of migration movements. In the 2000s, there was an increase in rural-urban migrations, oriented towards the capital, Yakutsk. The decline in the territory's migratory attractiveness from outside is largely determined by the lack of jobs. In the rural areas of the Republic, the share of working-age people in the outgoing population is significantly higher than in the incoming population, leading to a demographic ageing. A regional social and economic policy aimed at improving living conditions and quality of life and a reduction of inter-regional differences is necessary to regain demographic dynamism.

Keywords

• migration patterns
• Russia
• regional migration
• age structure
• rural urban flows
• Sakha Republic (Yakutia)