What are the most populous and least populous areas of Russia?

And why are some areas more heavily populated than others

The most populous area of Russia is the Central Federal District, which includes the city of Moscow and its surrounding regions. Moscow is not only the capital of Russia but also its largest city, with a population of over 12 million people. The Central Federal District as a whole has a population of around 39 million people.

On the other hand, the least populous areas of Russia are found in the Far Eastern Federal District, which includes regions such as Kamchatka Krai and Chukotka Autonomous Okrug. These regions have sparse populations, due to their remote locations, extreme climates, and challenging geographical features. For example, Chukotka Autonomous Okrug is one of the least populated areas on Earth, with a population of around 50,000 people.

The population distribution in Russia is influenced by several factors. Historical reasons play a significant role, as areas with long-established cities and urban centers tend to have higher populations. Economic opportunities and infrastructure development also attract people to certain regions, with major cities like Moscow offering better job prospects and a higher standard of living. Additionally, geographical factors such as climate, terrain, and accessibility contribute to disparities in population density.