While murder and suicide both continued their long term declines, ticking down by 4.5% and 4% respectively, accidental alcohol poisonings actually increased by 7%.

FORBES: Russian Demographics Update: Births And Deaths Both Increase In January 2013

Since alcohol poisonings had been sinking like a stone, and since the authorities are actually intensifying their efforts to curb alcohol sales, the increase is worrying.

FORBES: Russian Demographics Update: Births And Deaths Both Increase In January 2013

Encouragingly, external causes of mortality have continued to decline even faster than other causes: suicide, murder, and alcohol poisonings are down by 5%, 10%, and 18% respectively.

FORBES: Russia's Demographics Continue to Rapidly Improve