Russia's population is projected to decline sharply over the next decade, driven by rising death rates - by far the highest among G8 countries.

The declining population is of great concern to President Putin, who has pledged a series of incentives to raise the birth rate. But the collapse of the Soviet-era health-care system, and increased levels of poverty and alcoholism have dramatically lowered life expectancy.

It has also led to a rise in the rate of infectious diseases, such as TB, and a growing HIV/Aids crisis that may not be fully reflected in official figures. The rise in the death rate - which has reached levels similar to those in developing countries - is unprecedented among G8 countries, and is probably a reflection of a deeper social crisis.