Russia still suffering from brain drain
One fifth of the Russian population are potential emigrants, a new sociological survey shows. Most willing to leave are the young and the educated.
A recent survey shows that the number of potential Russian emigrants increased from 5 percent in 1991 to 21 percent in 2011.
The Russian Public Opinion Research Center on Friday published a survey showing that 21 percent of the respondents were willing to move abroad and seek permanent residence and another 20 percent would like to receive employment abroad.
The largest emigration potential is among Russia’s younger age group between 18 and 24 years (30 percent for permanent residence and 28 percent for employment). 29 percent of the respondents with higher education are ready to pack up and move abroad.
According to official numbers, more than 1.2 million Russians left the country in course of the three last years, Vedomosti reports. 40 percent of these had higher education.
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The public opinion research center said 75 percent of Russians would still remain where they are. These non-potential emigrants are mostly elderly people (93 percent), people with a lower education level (85 percent), and those who are not internet users.
1.600 people living in 46 regions in Russia were interviewed during the first week of June 2011.
