Deaths exceeded births in Russia by more than 2,500 in 2012, the Labor and Social Protection Ministry reports. That means that the natural population growth still remains elusive aim despite officials' earlier statements.

      Over 1,896,000 children were born, which is 102,400 (5.7 percent) more than in 2011 – the highest figure since 1990, the ministry said. However, deaths numbered more than 1,898,000 in 2012, down 26,200 (1.4 percent) on 2011. Thereby, a natural population loss in 2012 is registered at the rate of 2,573.

      Such situation completely differs from the estimations of the first 11 months of 2012, when the ministry reported about a natural population growth of more than 4,500, which led Russian Government to heap praise on the country’s demographic programs.

      However, some experts say it was just a temporary effect and it would be naive to expect serious population growth in the next few years.

      Population decline has been one of the most significant social issues to face Russia since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Despite large-scale labor migration into the country, the population has decreased by about 2 million over the past 10 years.