In 1970, over 29 percent of the Soviet population were under the age of 15, however this figure fell below 25 percent in the subsequent decade. This was offset by the 15-24 age group making up a larger share of the population in 1980, due to the cyclical nature of baby booms and higher birth rates when certain generations reach childbearing age.
The Soviet population structure was also greatly affected by the Second World War. The long-term impact meant that the age groups between 35 and 54 in 1970, i.e. those who were teens and young adults in the 1940s, made up a lower proportion of the population compared to traditional age distribution models. This was due to the heavy death toll experienced during the war, particularly among males.
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U.S. Census Bureau. (August 1, 1991). Population of the Soviet Union in 1970, 1980 and 1989, by age group (in thousands) [Graph]. In ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Retrieved July 17, 2026, from /statistics/1248446/soviet-population-by-age-cold-war/
U.S. Census Bureau. "Population of the Soviet Union in 1970, 1980 and 1989, by age group (in thousands)." Chart. August 1, 1991. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Accessed July 17, 2026. /statistics/1248446/soviet-population-by-age-cold-war/
U.S. Census Bureau. (1991). Population of the Soviet Union in 1970, 1980 and 1989, by age group (in thousands). ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc.. Accessed: July 17, 2026. /statistics/1248446/soviet-population-by-age-cold-war/
U.S. Census Bureau. "Population of The Soviet Union in 1970, 1980 and 1989, by Age Group (in Thousands)." ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc., 1 Aug 1991, /statistics/1248446/soviet-population-by-age-cold-war/
U.S. Census Bureau, Population of the Soviet Union in 1970, 1980 and 1989, by age group (in thousands) ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, /statistics/1248446/soviet-population-by-age-cold-war/ (last visited July 17, 2026)
Population of the Soviet Union in 1970, 1980 and 1989, by age group (in thousands) [Graph], U.S. Census Bureau, August 1, 1991. [Online]. Available: /statistics/1248446/soviet-population-by-age-cold-war/
