PIP: Largely due to the country's prevailing socioeconomic conditions, the Russian Federation is experiencing complex problems developing its population policies. Since the mid-1990s, Russia's population has decreased, working-age men suffer high rates of mortality, there is below replacement-level fertility, the health of Russian citizens has deteriorated, and STDs are spreading fast. Falling life expectancy and the marked aging of the population and labor force are causing considerable concern. However, despite these challenging conditions, the Russian Federation has been working toward achieving the consensus reached at the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD). Implementation since 1994 of Presidential Program activities has led to a 33% reduction in the number of abortions in Russia and a 20% decrease in maternal mortality caused by abortions. Some educational programs for adolescents and youth are also under way. The government of the Russian Federation considers international cooperation in population issues to be an important activity which complements domestic policies and actions. International support needs to be mobilized in support of Russian reforms related to social and population issues.