Study of Development of the Largest Now Russian Cities Since the End of XIX Century to the Present Time

Abstract

In this study the dynamics of development since 1897 of the 15 largest currently Russian cities with a population of more than a million is studied. Understanding the territorial distribution laws for the population and trends in its change is a key element in the implementation of socio-economic policies. Data analysis is carried out in terms of “City Rank - City Population”. Also, Zipf law is applied for data analysis. Following main results are obtained. Moscow and St. Petersburg constitute a separate subsystem among Russian cities. This status has been maintained since at least 1897. Another considered cities have not generated during the transformations since 1897 a clearly defined structure that is an equal part of the subsystem of the above two cities. At last time two new systemically important centers in Russia, represented by the cities Novosibirsk and Yekaterinburg, arise. The proposed methods for analysis the territorial distribution of the population may be useful for structures and authorities involved in the elaboration of programs for socio-economic development of both individual regions and the country as a whole.