Geographical Aspects of Population Development in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia): the Problems of Territorial Concentration and Resettlement

Abstract

Since The Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) has the largest territory among the subjects of Russia the geographical factor playsa big role in the development of all social and economic processes in the republic. Geographical aspects influence thedevelopment of the population of the region, manifesting first of all in its spatial distribution. The specificity of territorial differentiation of resettlement in the region is reflected in the growing concentration of the population within center-periphery model. Intraregional centro-peripheral gradients remain the main characteristics of the modern settlement.

Unlike urban settlements the dynamics of rural settlements, which defines the skeleton of settler resistance, has a reduction in the number of settlements. Modern economic conditions significantly influenced the demographic development of rural settlements. Rural areas are experiencing severe economic contraction, caused by such processes as the increase in the share of unprofitable rural enterprises, the reduction of budgetary support for agriculture and rural development programs, rural infrastructure degradation. Dilution of settlement network, deepening of territorial population concentrations also result in greater spatial depopulation.

Index of demographic development for rural settlements of varying population size was calculated. Analysis of the main indicators of demographic development showed that rural settlements with greater populations have more stable population dynamics.