Human development in Russia: major achievements and threats

Introduction. A socially oriented state should strive to provide conditions for the harmonious development of its citizens. The solution of this task is often associated with a number of difficulties and threats, and therefore requires a detailed scientific substantiation. The purpose of this study is to trace the change in Russia's position in world rankings in terms of humanitarian development, identify the main driving forces, problems and suggest ways to solve them. Materials and Methods. Data from the United Nations, Federal State Statistics Service of Russia and publications by scientists involved in the study of this problem were used as the materials for this research. The methods of demographic, economic and statistical analysis were employed. Results. The dynamics of the human potential of Russia has been characterized: in 2018, Russia first entered the group of countries with a very high level of human development. The main problems in human development in the Russian Federation have been identified: low standard of living, long-term permanent decline in real monetary incomes of Russians (2014-2018), a high degree of material inequality, low life expectancy of the population, high excess mortality of certain categories of the population, a sharp drop in the number of students enrolled in higher education programs (per 1,000). Discussion and Conclusion. In order to strengthen the human potential of Russia, it is necessary to concentrate efforts on overcoming supermortality, increasing productivity and the availability of quality education while reducing infant and maternal mortality, income inequality. The results of the study can be used by the authorities when planning and adjusting socio-economic development programs related to population management, to the organization of health care and education, and the fight against poverty.