If there is any country in the world which ought to know the stupidity of yabbering about over-population, it is Russia. With a birth rate of about 1.2 and a decline of 6 million people over the  past 20 years (12 million without immigration), Russia is in trouble. As Prime Minister Vladimir Putin puts it,

"Without exaggeration, the central problem of contemporary Russia is demography, strengthening the family, [and] increasing the birth rate."

That’s why it is an inspired move to hold the first international demographic summit in Moscow on June 29 and 30. According to the organisers, the World Congress of Families, it is the first time an international pro-life and pro-family event of this scale will take place in Russia. More than 1,000 participants are expected, including 300 foreigners, including top demography and family researchers, scientists and activists, and politicians.

In Russia, demographic decline is particularly evident, but throughout Europe, East and West, countries are not reproducing themselves. The conference will cover a number of fascinating topics, including culturally induced desire for smaller families, voluntary childlessness, low birthrates and economic decline, problems of an aging society and alcoholism's negative effects on demography.

It sounds like a fascinating event.

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