Analyzing the Problems and Tendencies in the Development of Rural Territories in Ukraine

The research is aimed at defining the problems and tendencies in the development of rural territories in Ukraine. According to the goal, the article researches: structure of Ukraine’s lands and the population structure by settlement type, density of population of rural territories of Ukraine, reasons for the decline of the rural population in Ukraine, consumption of basic foodstuffs and household spending in rural areas, age composition of the population, processes of rural migration, employment and income of the population in rural areas, infrastructure problems in the development of rural territories in Ukraine, educational space in rural areas, number and condition of medical institutions in rural areas, infrastructure of cultural institutions and living conditions in rural areas. The carried out analysis allowed to substantiate that in Ukraine there is a feedback cycle on the type of «vicious circle» in which the poor condition of social infrastructure increases the migration mood of the rural population, which leaves rural settlements because of the small number of schools, preschools and health facilities that are enlarged or closed, which worsens the level of social services and narrows the social infrastructure. Together, the economic and infrastructure reasons for the increase in migration, the decline of the rural population and their ageing are leading to a worsening of the demographic situation in the country. Thus, in developing efficient economic approaches to stimulating the development of rural territories, the country’s rural settlements should be seen as a holistic system. There will be no better way to achieve balanced development, overcome inter-industry, intra- and interregional imbalances, integrate rural and urban subsystems of the society on equal terms.