The demographic potential of the regions in the steppe zone as a basis for spatial development under the current challenges

The population structure, the potential of its reproduction and replacement in the territory are significant components of spatial socio-economic development. Under conditions of the current challenges, it is necessary to detect economic and geospatial factors and hazards of demographic growth in the country, especially in adjacent border territories to which the RF steppe belongs. Based on the statistical analysis methods, we identified the interconnection of the population dynamics, welfare indicators, workforce resources quality, and depth of differentiation of the steppe regions taking into account the total spatial organization in conditions of stable development challenges. The most critical situation formed in Kurganskaya region, where the reduction of personal income exacerbated health status, promoted heavy mortality and reinforced the outflow of labor supply. The southern (Krasnodarskiy and Stavropolskiy Krays and Rostovskaya region) and central regions (Belgorodskaya and Voronezhskaya regions) have a high demographic potential provided by favorable natural conditions, official places, a relatively high rate of income. It promotes to identify points of prospect development in these areas under the transfer to stable nature management.