Human potential as a basis for the spatial development of rural territories of the steppe zone of Russia
The main criterion for the development of rural areas is the population - its size and quality. The preservation of the Russian village priority of the strategy for territorial development of Russia. The aim of this work is the study of regional peculiarities and development perspectives of the demographic situation and human potential of rural population of the steppe zone of Russia for evaluations of regional concepts of spatial development. In the article the analysis of demographic processes in rural areas of the steppe zone of Russia, the state of the social infrastructure and consequences of the optimization of the system of education and health.