Demographic Aspects of Sustainable Development of a Territory with a Special Economic Status on the Example of the Chuvash Republic

The relevance of the study is related to the need to assess the impact of environmental factors on the prospects for sustainable development of territories with a special economic status. Demographic status and development are important factors influencing the sustainable development of territories. The purpose of the study is to assess demographic trends affecting the sustainable development of a territory with a special economic status on the example of the Chuvash Republic. Materials and methods. Methods of statistical and comparative data analysis were used in the research process. The sources of information were data from the Federal State Statistics Service. Research results. Based on Rosstat data, the analysis of the demographic situation in the Chuvash Republic in 2014–2023 was carried out. The population of the Chuvash Republic was revealed to tend to decrease: over the past 10 years, the population decreased by 63.4 thousand people. In the general population structure, the rural population is declining at a higher rate than the urban population. Over the past 10 years, the birth rate has been declining. If in 2014 there were 14 births per 1,000 people, then in 2023 this number was only 8.1. Despite the fact that the death rate of the population of the Chuvash Republic has tended to decrease over the past 10 years, it is still higher than the birth rate. As a result, the birth rate in Chuvashia cannot ensure the reproduction of the population. The cost structure, as an indicator reflecting the purchasing power of the population, indicates an increase in the share of food expenditures. This confirms the decrease in the purchasing power of the population, which negatively affects the birth rate in the Chuvash Republic. The presented data indicate a migration outflow of the population. The demographic situation in the municipalities of Chuvashia is different, and when choosing demographic policy instruments, it is necessary to take this into account and specify it at the level of individual municipalities of the Chuvash Republic. Conclusions. Current demographic situation is largely influenced by economic factors. The main problems of sustainable development of the Chuvash Republic, as a territory with a special economic status, are the outflow of population from rural areas, a decrease in the purchasing power of the population, as well as migration outflow of the population. The results of the study can be used by the authorities in the development of programs and national projects aimed at solving demographic problems.