АУТОР / AUTHOR(S): Mira Mandić 
DOI: 10.46793/CSGE5.37MM
САЖЕТАК / ABSTRACT:
Overall demographic trends in the Republic of Srpska, including natural population movement, migration directions, and dynamics, have a negative character. The spatial distribution of the population and changes in structural characteristics (age, gender, socioeconomic structure) indicate an accelerated erosion of demographic potential. This negatively affects the settlement, socioeconomic, and cultural characteristics of the Republic of Srpska, as well as its overall spatial-functional organization. Adverse demographic conditions threaten the sustainability of certain geosystems and spatial units. The formation and expansion of problem areas, lacking sufficient population to valorize natural resources and drive economic development, is increasingly dynamic.
The interdependence of demographic processes and the sustainability of the settlement network and systems, as well as economic and infrastructural systems, imply the necessity of a planned approach to population renewal as a strategic resource. Although the overall spatial distribution and structural characteristics of the population are unfavorable, significant differences are evident at local and regional levels. Comparative analysis of demographic potential and the degree of socioeconomic development confirm a high degree of mutual interdependence. Therefore, demographic trends are a significant factor influencing overall developmental processes and disparities.
The paper has both theoretical and practical significance in understanding the genesis of depopulation issues and the expansion of problem areas as developmental peripheries. Objectively assessing the demographic outlook and addressing challenges and potential modalities for demographic renewal simultaneously contribute to measures for the revitalization of the Republic of Srpska. This represents the primary goal of the work.
КЉУЧНЕ РЕЧИ / KEYWORDS:
population; depopulation; demographic processes; geosystems; problem areas