Regional differences and factors of spatial population distribution of the Central Federal District of the Russian Federation

The purpose of this article is to identify regional differences in the spatial distribution of population in the subjects of the Central Federal District and factors that determine them at the present stage. The study of the contrasts and factors of interregional differentiation is aimed at finding problems and solutions in the territorial aspect, ensuring demographic balance between subjects. The results of the study show that the spatial distribution has significant contrasts. Considerable differentiation of regions by population density and level of urbanisation has been revealed. The qualitative and quantitative characteristics of regional populations are influenced by such demographic factors as fertility, mortality, marriage rate, and international migration. In most regions, the birth and marriage rates decrease, population decline continues, and its ageing is observed. Negative trends in the demographic development of most subjects are aggravating, and regional differences are becoming more and more significant. In the conditions of further deepening of the demographic crisis, irrevocable international migration becomes an important factor in the demographic development of regions, capable of compensating for the population decline and ageing as well as contributing to the birth rate. Therefore, in depressed subjects it is recommended to create the necessary conditions for attracting immigrants and their subsequent integration into regional community.