Here are some of the key reasons why the population density is higher in European Russia:
* Historical Development: The Russian state originated in the European part of the country, and its expansion over centuries primarily focused eastward. This led to the establishment of major cities, infrastructure, and economic activity in the European region.
* Climate: The European part of Russia has a more temperate climate, with milder winters compared to Siberia. This makes it more suitable for agriculture and overall human settlement.
* Resources: The European part of Russia is rich in natural resources, including fertile land for agriculture, forests, and mineral deposits. This attracted people and spurred economic growth.
* Access to Waterways: The major rivers of Russia, including the Volga, flow through the European part, facilitating transportation and trade.
* Historical Influence: The historic centers of Russian culture, religion, and power are located in European Russia. This has attracted people and created a sense of cultural and historical significance in the region.
However, it's important to acknowledge the substantial presence of Russians east of the Urals in Siberia. Siberian cities like Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk, and Omsk have significant populations, and the region plays a crucial role in Russia's economy, particularly in the extraction of natural resources like oil and gas.
So, while the European part of Russia is more densely populated, it's not a complete picture of the distribution of Russians across the country.