[The characteristics of the demographic processes in Astrakhan oblast].

In the Astrakhan oblast, the study of the demographic processes from 1986 to 2005 was performed. The unfavorable demographic conditions was revealed which characterized by the decrease of numbers of children, the increase of the population of pensionable age, increase of mortality rate, formation of the negative natality rate and the decrease of the average life expectancy. The data analysis permits to forecast, in the case of unchangeable conditions, the decrease of total number of population in the nearest 10-15 years to come. The increase of the number of children and the increase of the retirees' share will augment the demographic burden on the able-bodied population. These circumstances will inevitably lead to the negative social economic and demographic consequences.