Migration Patterns in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)

This chapter examines migration patterns and other demographic changes within the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) in Northeastern Siberia. The republic as one of the administrative sub-divisions of Russia went through dramatic demographic changes that occurred as a reflection of economic changes in Russia. Industrial development of the northern regions of the Russian Federation that mainly started in 1950s led to the population growth both as by natural growth and as a positive net migration as well. During this period, the republic’s population distribution has shifted from primarily rural to increasingly urban. Thus, in 1980s, population size in the republic reached over one million people. However, population size drastically decreased especially during post-Soviet period due to economic and political changes that have been occurred in Russia when migratory out-flow from the republic has exceeded natural growth. Improvement of socio-economic situation is the key for a positive demographic development of the republic in the future.