The Russian government has approved a national demographic program for 2011-2015 aimed at maintaining the population at its current level, Health Minister Tatyana Golikova said on Thursday.
Currently, 143.2 million people live in Russia. The program stipulates that between 142 and 143 million people will live in the country by 2016. The program is also aimed at increasing the expected lifespan to 70 years, as well as boosting the birth rate.
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Thursday instructed the government to consider ways to introduce substantial tax breaks for families with more than three children.
In late December, Medvedev said that Russia's new concern with the deteriorating demographic situation was essential.
"We need to have the correct attitude toward children. Without this we have no future," he said.
NOVO-OGARYOVO, February 17 (RIA Novosti)
