Demographics

The demographic data of the Enets of the Taimyr Peninsula are very variable. The differences in data interpretations often arise from the issue of the high mobility of this group, as well as the ambiguities and of self-identification of the population. Currently, in order to carry out a more reliable demographic assessment, especially in small ethnic groups, self-identification is regarded as the leading factor in their formation. The native language serves as a fundamental for maintaining the original identity.

The total number of Enets, according to the 2020 All-Russian Population Census, is 203 people (102 men and 101 women).

The population dynamics largely depends on the self-determination of each of its representatives. In this regard, assimilation processes are of great importance, especially when it comes to the minorities who are predisposed to merge with the dominant ethnic group. The Enets society maintains a more or less stable population: according to the censuses, their number in 1926 was 250 persons, in 1979 – 300, in 1989 – 198, in 2002 – 237, and in 2010 – 227.

This means that by 2002, compared to the previous census (1989), the number of Enets had gone up by 16.5%. State policies also affected the statistics, for they often involved the provision of benefits, which has had a positive impact on the restoration of their original identity.

At the same time, scholars note a significant increase in miscegenation among the Enets, meaning that this ethnic group is characterized by a very high percentage of mixed marriages. Back in 1992, 100% of Enets children were all of mixed origin. The native language can help preserve the Enets identity, but currently the Enets tongue is in a critical situation, primarily due to the difficulties of communication within families between the representatives of different generations, especially in ethnically mixed households.

The number of the Enets in the Taimyr Dolgano-Nenets district, as of January 1, 2019, was 156 persons. (116 lived in rural areas, 40 in Dudinka). More than 70 Enets were registered in Potapovo, 3 persons in the village of Khantayskoye Ozero, 18 in Vorontsovo, 10 in Tukhard, 9 in Karaul, and 2 in Nosok.

Between 1994 and 2004, there was a reduction in those engaged in the traditional pursuits of the Enets, among males - from 53.0% to 43.3%, among females - 20.6% to 12.4%. In reindeer husbandry, the share of men went down from 36.7% to 16.4%. In 2002, there were more Enets women than men: 128 and 117, respectively.