If current trends continue, the Russian population will shrink to 121.5 million by 2030 and 111.6 million by 2050. Current population is 144 million. Alcoholism and work related accidents have reduced male life expectancy to 59 years. Poor housing and economic conditions have kept the birth rate down and Russia is still not considered a desirable destination for migrants. But the economy is starting to turn around, the middle class is growing and opinion polls indicates this will lead to an increase in the birth rate. But, at best, Russia's population will stabilize, not grow.