Russian Governor, Sergei Morozov is being forced to think outside the box. His problem is the population in the area is dwindling. Actually, the population throughout Russia is dwindling. Russia is the largest country in the world but also the sparsest populated country with 141 million citizens (compared to over 302 million in the U.S.).

Ever since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, coupled with the growing emigration rates, low life-expectancy, bad health insurance and other quality of life issues the government has seen a steady decline in population. In an attempt to reconcile this decline they are starting new “incentives” to prop up their diminishing population.

They have declared September 12th, Procreation Day. Local employers are supporting this by giving them the day off. Nine-months later, the pay-off is if a lucky couple has a baby on the Russia’s National Day - June 12th - they will be eligible to win money, appliances or even an SUV. The grand prize (SUV), goes to the couple judged by a committee as “respectable and commendable” parents - so there seems to be an effort for both quality and quantity, clever. Now think about it, our OB/GYN says that only 5% of expecting mothers give birth on their due date; perhaps the government is privy to this and is banking on it.

Even if this is not absolutely true and we expand those numbers to 5-15% of expectant mothers, and you were planning on having another kid anyway — just plan on keeping yourself busy that week and you’ll probably up your odds a bit.

Sited Links;
CNN Europe | Russians Offered Cars For Babies
U.S. Population Clock

Links Of Interest;
CCCP | USSR Merchandise
Flckr | Russian Posters