The Russian village … For some, it is a relic of the agrarian past, for others, it is the keeper of the Russian soul. One way or another, annually urbanization on average “eats” three villages in a country. What are the reasons for the extinction and degradation of the Russian village? How many villages are there in Russia today? And which of them are the most beautiful? You will find answers to all these questions in our article.
Unemployment, hopelessness, despondency …
It is with such unpleasant words that the modern Russian village is most often described. Broken asphalt, fragmented from prosperous Soviet times, abandoned farms, ruined houses of culture, dirt, lack of lighting and central sewage - this is typical for most of the villages and villages of modern Russia. Of course, there are pleasant exceptions. But there are catastrophically few of them.
Many villages in Russia, in view of the vast area of the latter, are literally divorced from any of the benefits of civilization. They can be located a few hundred kilometers from the nearest city or district center. In such villages, people, like one hundred and two hundred years ago, live on subsistence farming: sow fields, raise livestock, fish, hunt and drink strong tea from real samovars.
A classic example of the “Russian hinterland” is the so-called Red Beach. This is a locality consisting of three villages lost in the middle of the coniferous forests of the Vologda Oblast. The total population is 10 people. In fact, there are no roads to these settlements. In winter, it can be overcome only on a snowmobile, and in summer (after heavy rain) - only on a tractor. Water - from springs, light - from kerosene lamps, a generator - one in three villages.
And how many such villages are scattered across the vast expanses of Russia is hard to say.
Russian village: in facts and figures
Next, we have collected for you several statistical facts that clearly demonstrate the situation with the rural population in the country:
- As of the beginning of 2018, 19.1% of the total population of the Russian Federation live in rural areas.
- Between 2002 and 2010 (between the last two censuses) the number of depopulated villages in Russia grew by 6 thousand.
- Today in the country there are about 150 thousand rural settlements.
- About half of them are home to no more than 100 people.
- 17 thousand Russian villages do not have a permanent population.
- The average density of the rural population in the Russian Federation is 2 people / sq. km
- The maximum percentage of the rural population is observed in the Krasnodar Territory - almost 45%.
- The largest villages are in the North Caucasus.
- The largest village in Russia is New Usman. 27.5 thousand people live here.
Reasons for the extinction of the Russian countryside
The degradation of the village is one of the most acute socio-economic problems of modern Russia. Over the past twenty years, the country's rural population has been steadily declining. Moreover, not only due to natural decline (high mortality due to low birth rates), but also due to the enormous migration outflow.
Young people categorically do not want to live in the village, trying by any means possible to escape to the capital or the nearest major city. As a result, in many Russian villages there are only old people and frankly antisocial elements. The share of depopulated villages in some constituent entities of the Russian Federation has already reached 20%.
Why is the Russian village dying out? There are several reasons:
- High unemployment rate.
- Degradation of social infrastructure (lack of schools, kindergartens, clinics, etc.).
- Lower standard of living compared to urban habitat.
- The frequent lack of housing and communal services (sewage, gasification, lighting, the Internet, etc.).
To revive the Russian village and return youth to it, a comprehensive state program is required to save it and further develop it. Of course, colossal funds are needed for this.
The most beautiful villages in Russia: list
Let's try to complete our article on a major note. Not all villages in Russia look dull and hopeless. Some of them are able to surprise with their color, authentic spirit and original architecture. The following are five ancient Russian villages that are definitely worth visiting at least once in a lifetime:
- Varzuga, Murmansk region. The village appeared in the middle of the XV century. The center for catching Atlantic salmon.
- Big Kunaley, Buryatia. A fairly large village, reminiscent of its appearance, an illustration for a collection of children's fairy tales. The design of all the houses here is exactly the same: brown walls, blue windows, green fences.
- Vershinino, Arkhangelsk region. The traditional village of the Russian North. It is famous for its unique and beautifully preserved architecture of the XVII-XVIII centuries.
- Okunevo, Omsk region. A colorful, amazing and mystical village in which adherents of five different religions found refuge. The village is a place of attraction for all lovers of esotericism and meditation.
- Elovo, Perm Territory. Ecologically clean village located on the banks of the Kama. It impresses all guests not only with its magnificent natural landscapes, but also with its beautification. There is asphalt, walkways, flower beds and playgrounds.
