Spatial Distribution Pattern Evolution of the Population and Economy in Russia since the 21st Century

Abstract

Under the background of “the Belt and Road” and “China, Mongolia and Russia economic corridor” initiatives, this paper studied the spatial distribution pattern evolution of population and economy in Russia since the 21st century, which could provide implications for the regional development planning, economic optimization layout, energy resource development, transportation infrastructure construction between China and Russia. Combined with the panel data of population, GDP, land area, etc., we used the gravity center analysis, geographic concentration degree, and inconsistency index to study Russia’s population pattern evolution trend, economic pattern evolution trend, spatial inconsistency types of population distribution and economic development. The results and conclusions are as follows. Russia’s population and economic gravity centers have migrated towards the northwest direction. Russia’s population and economic distribution pattern presents the unbalanced development trend, which could be characterized by the differentiation pattern of “High West, Low East” and “High South, Low North” divided by the Ural Federal District. In the southwest areas of Russia, the population concentration degree is higher than the economic concentration degree in most federal subjects. In the northeast areas of Russia, the economic concentration degree is higher than the population concentration degree in most federal subjects.

The economic hierarchy, linkage, and directions between the three northeastern provinces of China and Russian Far East

“…The major goal has always been the construction of the comprehensive strategic cooperative alliance and regional economic cooperation between China and Russia. Li (2016), Chu et al (2021aChu et al ( , 2021b reviewed the development of commercial linkages between Northeast China and Russian Far East. Shao (2015, 2016), Li (2015), Chu et al (2021c) made recommendations and countermeasures for enhancing economic and trade cooperation in agriculture and forestry between Northeast China and Russian Far East.…”

“…Li (2016), Chu et al. (2021a, 2021b) reviewed the development of commercial linkages between Northeast China and Russian Far East. Shao and Shao (2015, 2016), Li (2015), Chu et al.…”