The former Soviet Union entered the twentieth century as a conglomerate of lifestyles, religions, and cultures. During the course of the century, socioeconomic development started at different times and proceeded differently in different regions and in varying sociodemographic groups. Today, the western and northern parts of the former Soviet Union have the demographic characteristics of a developed country, while the Central Asian republics share the demographic patterns of developing countries.
This comprehensive study provides an overview of demographic trends and patterns in the republics of the former Soviet Union. The contributors present data that has been evaluated by leading Soviet and Western demographers, including much that has only recently become available. The book forms the first compendium of demographic research on the former Soviet Union, providing a detailed review of Soviet demographic change fertility, marriage and the family, age and mortality through the twentieth century.
