Russian emigration soaring

Russian government statistics show a sharp upturn in emigration since 2011, with the current wave including many highly skilled workers whose loss will hamper the Russian economy for years to come

400,000 people

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012 122,751

2013 186,382 

2014 Annexation of Crimea 309,000

2015 (estimate) 350,000

Current economic crisis

Ukraine crisis begins

Mass protests spark crackdown

Economic crises

Boris Yeltsin

Vladimir Putin (First two presidential terms)

Dmitry Medvedev

Vladimir Putin

Sources: RosStat, Stratfor, wire agencies

Picture: MediaPhoto.Org