MOSCOW, March 14. /TASS/. Russia’s population declined by 93,500 to 148.8 mln in 2018, the Federal State Statistics Service (Rosstat) said in a statement on Thursday.

"According to preliminary estimates, Russia’s permanent population stands at 146.8 mln as of January 1, 2019. The country’s population declined by 93,500 (0.06%) in 2018. However, a 57.2% growth in net migration helped offset the natural population decline," the statement reads.

According to preliminary data, the number of newly born children dropped by 90,600 in 2018. Meanwhile, the mortality rate decreased by 6,600. A thing to note is that in 2017, Russia’s population increased by 76,100 (0.05%), the federal statistics service said.