Final answer:
Russia's high death rate continues post-Soviet Union due to factors like low fertility rates, high abortion rates, and alcoholism, which began during the Soviet era. Economic and social upheaval, alongside an aging population and the COVID-19 pandemic, exacerbate the demographic challenges. Despite immigration and some economic improvement, these trends present ongoing workforce and developmental issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
Reasons Behind High Death Rate in Post-Soviet Russia
Despite the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Russia's death rate remains high due to a variety of factors that originated in the Soviet era and have persisted or evolved over time. During the Soviet period, there was a rural-to-urban shift that was later disrupted by the USSR's collapse, leading to a sharp population decline. This, coupled with the economic and social upheaval of the early post-Soviet years, including the stressful transition to capitalism and the unraveling of the social safety net, contributed to a deterioration in the population's health and well-being.
The high death rate in Russia is further compounded by a low fertility rate, a high rate of abortions, and prevalent alcoholism. While Russia's population has somewhat stabilized due to immigration from former Soviet republics, it is still experiencing a negative rate of natural increase. Additionally, challenges such as the aging population, the COVID-19 pandemic, and ongoing environmental problems exacerbate the strain on social and medical services in the country.
Despite economic gains after 2000 and the centralization of power under President Vladimir Putin, demographic issues such as low birth rates, aging workforce, and a negative natural increase rate continue to plague Russia. The demographic trends in Russia are concerning as they pose significant challenges to the workforce and national development.