Geography and Statistics: On the Anniversary of the Russian Geographical Society

Abstract

The article is dedicated to the anniversary of the Russian Geographical Society (RGS), primarily to the interaction between geography and statistics. The author examined in detail the evolution and stages of this interaction, noting that since its foundation, despite all the political storms, the Society has not ceased its activities, preserved continuity and traditions established by its founders.The article opens with the analysis of the historical background and economic prerequisites for the foundation of geographical societies worldwide. The author gives a detailed account of the founding history of the Russian Geographical Society (following in the footsteps of France, Germany and England), focusing on trials and tribulations that accompanied the foundation and naming of the Society. The author provides biographical information on statesmen and scholars who are founders and organizers of the RGS, describes the functions specified in the Charter. One of the four branches in the structure of the RGS was the department «Statistics», which allowed the author in the following sections to consider the interaction between statistics and geography.A separate section of the article addresses the historical relationship between geography and statistics, which has resulted in the development of a methodological and analytical tool for management decision-making on social and economic development of countries and regions. The article also describes a new direction of scientific activity in the world «Regional science», combining a multitude of sciences into its research, including statistics, economic geography and demography. In conclusion, in the twentieth century, statistics and geography were within the same scientific discipline, complementing and enriching one another and giving an impetus to social development.The article concludes with information on the celebration of the 175th anniversary of the Russian Geographical Society in the Russian Federation and prospects for the development of a modern public organization.