Demographic processes in the Baltic macro-region (1990–2022)

Abstract

The article discusses the features and factors of the dynamics and territorial differentiation of the demographic development of the population of the Baltic macroregion in 1990–2022. Study have indicated, although the population of the macroregion is growing, and most of the countries located here have a migration population growth, the demographic situation cannot be considered to be satisfactory in any of its parts. Depopulation has been taking place everywhere for a long time, and there are no serious grounds for expecting, even in a fairly distant future, not only an expanded, but also a simple reproduction of the population. The population of the Baltic countries decreased catastrophically in 1990–2022. There are also territories in the Nordic countries, the Baltic regions of Germany and Poland, losing population and characterized by an intensive redistribution of residents from villages to cities, which is typical at the micro level for Russian regions as well. In the countries with a traditional market economy, characterized by a high migration influx from Asia and Africa, there are acute problems of migrant integration and/or the development of multiculturalism. At the initiative of Western partners, the cross-border mobility of the population and any (including educational and scientific ties) between the EU countries and Russia are limited. On the basis of the latest published statistical data, the listed and other problems of population dynamics in the macroregion are analyzed, its parts are typified according to the predominance of certain features of the natural and migration movement of the population, the existing and predicted demographic problems are assessed, particular attention is drawn to the need for their speedy solution.