Russia: Go east, young man, for free land

World Today

Russia wants to develop the country’s Far East with a new incentive. It plans to give land to Russian citizens for free if they move there and help establish the area.

The law will give people one hectare of land if they make the move.

Russia’s Far East occupies a third of Russia’s vast territory: 6 million square kilometers (2.3 million square miles). The area holds huge economic potential but lacks investment and people: it’s population is almost half that of Moscow’s sprawling 12 million. And its numbers continue to shrink.

Experts say that while the new government initiative could provide a welcome development for the region, it may take years before it produces any tangible results.

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