Demographic development of Republic of Belarus in XXI century: trends, regional differences, problems

The economic geographical analysis of the demographic development trends of Belarus for the period 1999-2014 is provided in the article. Demographic positions of Belarus in Europe, similarities and differences in the population dynamics and natural movement of urban and rural population are revealed on the basis of the trend approach, method of time series, comparative geographical method. Divergence of population dynamics trends and mortality between urban and rural populations and convergence of parameters in the nature and trends of the birth rate and general demographic polarization are defined. Demographic similarities and differences at the regional level are established, areas with relatively favorable demographic situation (Polesie - Brest and Gomel regions, Capital region - Minsk region) and the unfavorable demographic situation (Vitebsk, Mogilev, Grodno regions) are identified. Identified differences on the regional level emphasize the necessity of the development of geographically differentiated activities in the field of demographic security of Belarus.