The 2010 Russian census was the second census of the Russian Federation population after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Preparations for the census began in 2007 and it took place between October 14 and October 25.

The census

The census was originally scheduled for October 2010, before being rescheduled for late 2013, citing financial reasons, although it was also speculated that political motives were influential in the decision. However, in late 2009, Prime Minister Putin announced that the Government of Russia had allocated 10.5 billion rubles in order to conduct the census as originally scheduled (in October 2010).

Results

The census recorded the population as 142.9 million, a decrease of 2.3 million (1.6%) since the 2002 census. The population is 73.7% urban (105.3 million) and 26.3% rural (37.5 million). The median age is 38 years. The ethnic composition is dominated by Russians (80.9% of the population).