Formation of the population of Ulan-Ude (Buryatia, Russia)

Abstract

This article examines the features of the formation of the population of the city of Ulan-Ude - the capital of the Republic of Buryatia (Russia). It shows how socio-economic and administrative changes have affected the total population, the share of the city in the overall population structure, as well as how the territorial structure has been transformed over the past 60 years. In the post-Soviet period, urbanisation has affected not only the capital city itself, but also suburban areas, while small towns and urban-type settlements have largely lost their prospects for territorial and demographic development. Unlike other regional centres of the Far Eastern Federal District, Ulan-Ude is experiencing population growth due to both migration and natural increase. The study is based on the analysis of official data from the All-USSR and All-Russian population censuses and the results of annual statistical reports by Rosstat and Buryatstat.