MOSCOW, February 19. /TASS/. Men, middle-aged people, and those who recently moved to the North demonstrate the highest satisfaction with life in the Arctic, press service of the Arctic Development Project Office (PORA) told TASS commenting on results of a sociological study on the quality of life in the North.
The study was conducted at the initiative of PORA in the Russian Arctic's ten districts, where more than 10,000 residents were interviewed. About 75% of the surveyed said they were satisfied with the living conditions.
"The highest satisfaction level was demonstrated in residents of the Nenets Autonomous Region, Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Region, Murmansk and Yakutia Regions. Those who have lived in the Arctic for less than a year have the most positive assessment of life there: 82% are satisfied with the conditions and do not plan to leave. Among those who live in the North for longer, this rate drops to 71-74%, and among the indigenous Northerners it exceeds 75%," the press service reported.
Men generally rate life in the Arctic higher than women. "The highest level of satisfaction was recorded in the 30-45 age group: 48% are satisfied and do not consider moving. Conflicting moods are among young people (18-29 years old): 35% are satisfied with the quality of life and do not plan to leave, but 49% consider moving mostly because of difficulties with employment and living conditions," the study reads.
According to PORA'S CEO Maxim Dankin, the survey results confirm the stereotype that the Arctic is a harsh land for real men. "Indeed, men generally higher than women assess satisfaction with life in the Arctic. Additionally, the Arctic remains a territory of opportunity, but the life perception there strongly depends on age, gender and social status. We can see that people, who have recently moved there, assess their prospects most positively," he said.
The survey results indicate the state policy to attract new residents has been correct, he continued. "At the same time, there remains a high level of migration sentiment in young people, which points to necessary additional measures to improve living conditions and create new jobs," he added.
Awareness of state support measures
Key factors affecting the quality of life in the Arctic remain healthcare (72% of the surveyed), education (57%), working conditions (51%), housing and communal services (47%), and social protection (45%).
The survey has highlighted low awareness of state support measures. The Arctic Mortgage Program remains the most well-known - 30% of the surveyed know about it, while 45% rate it positively. 26% of respondents are familiar with the Arctic Hectare Program, but some of them note infrastructural difficulties there. Other programs, such as Resident of the Arctic Zone, Unified Arctic Subsidy and Master Plans, are known to only 5-15% of the local population, the press service said.
The social study results emphasize the importance of an integrated approach to development of the Northern territories. "Despite the high level of satisfaction in certain population groups, improving social infrastructures, housing conditions, and job accessibility remain a priority for further improving of life in the Arctic," the researchers said in conclusion.