The total fertility rate in the Nizhny Novgorod region has exceeded the average Russian indicator for the first time since 1990.

      As of June 2026, the total fertility rate in the Nizhny Novgorod region has exceeded the average Russian indicator for the first time since 1990. Currently, the TFR for the region stands at 1.357, while the average for Russia is 1.352, and the average for the Volga Federal District is 1.295. At the same time, the TFR for third and subsequent children has increased from 0.257 in June 2025 to 0.296 in June 2026 — an increase of 0.039 points, or 12.2%. This is also the best result among all regions of Russia. As noted by the Ministry of Social Development and Family Policy of the region, the total fertility rate serves as one of the key indicators of demographic development in the subjects of Russia. The TFR of each region is the average number of children born to a woman over her reproductive lifetime. The agency emphasized that the positive dynamics of the TFR in the Nizhny Novgorod region is becoming increasingly stable. The stabilization of the demographic situation is largely due to the launch of a comprehensive set of measures to support families with children and families expecting a baby. The program is called "OSNOVA – Nizhny Novgorod Life Project." It is being implemented on the instruction of the Governor of the Nizhny Novgorod region, Gleb Nikitin, and is a crucial component of the regional Family Five-Year Plan (from 2025 to 2030). According to the Autonomous Non-Profit Organization "Institute of Demographic Development," since the launch of the "OSNOVA" program, the Nizhny Novgorod region has increased its TFR from 1.26 in June 2025 to 1.357 in June 2026. The growth amounted to 0.097 units, or 7.7%, which is the best result among all regions of the country during this period. "In a year, we managed to increase the indicator by almost 8%, and this is the best result among the regions of the country. Such systematic stable growth is the result of implementing a set of measures that work as a single mechanism. We have overcome the inertia of decline, including against the backdrop of declining indicators in the district, and proved that with a well-calibrated combination of federal and regional tools, the demographic trend can be reversed. However, it is undoubtedly important to expand the range of support, update solutions, and address barriers that hinder families. These are our priorities outlined in the national project 'Family'," noted the Governor of the Nizhny Novgorod region, Secretary of the regional branch of the United Russia party, Gleb Nikitin. It is worth noting that since July 2025, Nizhny Novgorod families receive up to 1 million rubles for the birth or adoption of children, taking into account the federal maternity capital and the parental basic income "Osnova." Parents can also receive a "Gift for Newborns" from the governor in the form of an electronic certificate worth 20,000 rubles for purchasing children's goods from local manufacturers on one of the marketplaces. Additionally, expectant mothers and families with children can take advantage of free consultations with specialized experts, including psychologists, lawyers, and social work specialists, by contacting the hotline or the chat-bot "Sokhrani.rf." The Institute of Demographic Development also offers useful digital products to residents of Nizhny Novgorod. For example, the "Social Support Measures Calculator" calculates available measures and benefits based on individual family parameters. In the "Life Situations" section, one can obtain a clear action algorithm for solving various everyday issues. The mini-application "Wow, Parents!" accompanies expectant mothers from the first week of pregnancy until the birth of the child, and then helps couples preserve pleasant memories in relevant formats. The "Family Navigator" simplifies the search for children's and sports facilities in the Nizhny Novgorod region.

      Detailed information about all initiatives can be found on the website of the "OSNOVA – Nizhny Novgorod Life Project": https://osnovano.ru. The national project "Family" is being implemented on the instruction of the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin. The national project includes activities aimed at the comprehensive development of families: expanding support measures, creating conditions for active longevity of the older generation, and ensuring quality and accessible medical care. It includes seven federal projects: "Family Support," "Family Values," "Culture for the Family," "Pushkin Card," "Older Generation," "Protection of Motherhood and Childhood," and "Large Families."