130 Russian Towns Could Vanish Soon. Here's Why

By: Nikhil Pandey

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6 Aug 2025

Recent research warns that 130 small Russian towns may vanish due to demographic decline


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These towns, home to 3.4 million people, are losing residents at an alarming rate


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Over the past decade, small towns have lost around 314,500 people across Russia


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Northern coal, metal, and lumber towns have seen the sharpest population declines recently


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Experts blame the decline on job shortages and migration to larger urban centers


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Towns in Bryansk, Novgorod, Kirov, and Krasnoyarsk regions are among the most affected areas


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Verkhny Tagil, Trubchevsk, and Torzhok face high risk due to rapid depopulation and economic decline


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Lack of local development resources and small business closures worsen the crisis in small towns


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Without government intervention, these towns may disappear, stranding thousands without essential services


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Policymakers must urgently act to reverse these demographic trends and support struggling communities


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