Putin Seeks Financial Incentives to Boost Russia's Birthrate

Experts say population could tumble below 100 million by 2050, endangering nation

Moscow -- President Vladimir Putin directed parliament on Wednesday to adopt a 10-year program to stop the sharp decline in Russia's population, principally by offering financial incentives and subsidies to encourage women to have children.

Putin's instructions, issued to a compliant parliament that follows his orders almost without fail, formed the center of his annual address and signaled a new Kremlin determination to confront a problem that demographers have warned endangers the future of the Russian state.