Siberia from the Standpoint of Human Development

Abstract

The paper discusses the problems of human development in Siberian regions. Attention is focused on regional aspects delineated in national Human Development Reports; the necessary resources for the development of human capital are identified. It is noted that the poverty of a significant share of Siberians is a significant brake on their development. It is concluded that the archaic social structure of the population with a high share of the poorest people, the narrow stratum of the middle class, and a very small share of rich people has formed in the country. All Siberian regions had positive dynamics in human development in the last decade. However, the human development indices lagged significantly behind the average Russian indices. Analysis of the human development indicators for different regions of the Siberian Federal District allows to conclude that there is spatial heterogeneity in quality of life. The majority of Siberian regions form a group with lower indicators. The most acute situation is observed in the national republics of Tyva, Khakassia, and Buryatia, where mostly indigenous people live. High social inequality and regional barriers to the development of human capital are noted. It is concluded that the Government of the Russian Federation is not taking decisive steps to reduce social inequalities and smooth out regional and social differences in human development.