Birth rates improves: Russian Health Minister

The number of children being born in Russia has reached its highest level since the collapse of the Soviet Union 16 years ago. According to the latest government statistics, the country is starting to recover from the demographic problems it had being suf

The figures were given by the Russian Minister for Health and Social Security, Mikhail Zurabov, at the opening of the World Social Security Forum in Moscow this Monday: “The increase is six percent. And from May this year the rate is higher than the same time last year by up to 13%,” the Minister announced.

In Russia, a really big family is a rare thing now. The majority of couples have one or two children. Some are not sure they will be able to support more. A growing number of women don't want to miss out on job opportunities, and start having children at a later age.

The government has been trying to tackle the issue for quite some time. With good economical performance and a healthy budget surplus over the last few years, the country has put considerable money into convincing people to have more children.

Most social indicators are now on the rise in Russia. Finally it seems demographic forecasts are beginning to follow these same trends.