Assessment of the territorial differentiation of the population’s standard of living in mountainous regions based on publicly available statistical data
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Introduction. To assess territorial differentiation in the living standards of mountain areas, this study examines how open statistical data can be used to identify socio-economic, demographic, infrastructural, and spatial inequalities between municipalities. It is shown that mountain territories are characterized by dispersed settlement patterns, limited year-round transport accessibility, uneven distribution of social infrastructure, and strong dependence of living conditions on the spatial position of settlements. Given the need for reproducible and regularly updated assessment tools, the study provides an integrated approach to evaluating living standards in territorially complex regions. Methods. The research was based on the collection, verification, and systematization of open municipal statistical data. The analysis included indicators of demographic stability, transport connectivity, availability of medical and educational facilities, housing and utility conditions, digital accessibility, migration dynamics, and remoteness from administrative centers. The initial indicators were converted into relative values, normalized on a 0-1 scale, and then combined into partial indices and an integral living standards index. Spatial interpretation and grouping of territories were used to identify areas of relative stability and socio-territorial risk. Results. The results showed a pronounced differentiation in living standards among the studied mountain areas. The integral index ranged from 0.31 to 0.78, indicating more than a twofold gap between the most favorable territories and the most vulnerable high-mountain and remote areas. The strongest positive relationships were found between the integral index and year-round transport accessibility, availability of medical and educational facilities, and population density. Negative relationships were associated with distance from administrative centers, migration decline, and a higher share of the population above working age. Conclusions. It is proposed that open statistical data can be effectively used for regular monitoring of living standards in mountain areas. The developed approach makes it possible to compare municipalities, identify zones of socio-territorial risk, and determine which factors most strongly limit local development. The findings indicate that improving living standards in mountain areas requires coordinated measures aimed at strengthening transport connectivity, social infrastructure, digital accessibility, and demographic resilience.
Language: English
Subfield: Demography
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7220986973