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. The Central Federal District is highly urbanized, economically developed, and serves as the political, cultural, and economic center of the country. Moscow, being the capital city, attracts a large population due to the availability of job opportunities, higher standards of living, and better infrastructure. Additionally, the region has a well-developed transportation network, which further encourages people to settle there.
On the other hand, the least populous areas of Russia are found in the sparsely populated Siberian and Far Eastern Federal Districts. These areas are vast and have extreme climatic conditions, making them less suitable for large-scale human habitation. The remote locations, harsh weather, limited infrastructure, and lack of economic opportunities are significant factors contributing to the low population density in these regions. Additionally, historical settlement patterns and historical political decisions, such as forced deportations under Soviet rule, have impacted the population distribution in these areas.
Furthermore, Russia has a significant population imbalance, with a large portion of the population concentrated in western regions, including Moscow and St. Petersburg, while more eastern and northern regions have significantly lower population densities. This disparity is partly due to historical and geopolitical factors, including historical expansion towards the west, Soviet-era industrialization policies, and economic development centered around western regions.