About half of Russians believe that the majority of people living beyond the Arctic Circle would like to permanently relocate to another Russian region. The poll was conducted by the Business Council of the State Commission for Arctic Development. The survey was intended to identify how most Russian residents see the Arctic regions. The report was published on the council's website.

According to the poll, 44% of Russians think that the majority of people beyond the Arctic Circle would like to relocate. Meanwhile, two-thirds of the respondents actually living in or near the Arctic do not want to move.

From Arctic related media reports in the past six months, 30% of Russians remember news of expanding the military presence in the Arctic regions and of Arctic exploration, including production development. Fewer respondents mentioned reports of the Northern Sea Route, diverse environmental projects or the Arctic as a territory of international interest.

Northern tourism does not attract many Russians yet. Some 38% of respondents have never taken a vacation in Russia, and about one-third are not planning any domestic travel in the next year. Most vacationers go to seaside resorts and spas or tourist camps in southern Russia or neighboring regions.

About one-third of Russians are aware of the State Commission for Arctic Development. One of every two entrepreneurs living in Arctic areas, or 49%, knows about the commission.

The interviewers were also interested in how much people know about the Northern Sea Route. Currently, Russians have controversial opinions on whether the project is necessary. Some respondents support the idea of investing in the project although without any solid understanding of its relevancy.

The Arctic Business World community was started by Sergei Shishkaryov, head of the Business Council of the State Commission for Arctic Development and President of Delo Group, in partnership with Public Opinion Foundation. The project supports the development of Arctic regions by engaging business representatives, non-profit organizations and research communities. The Arctic Business World currently has 1,500 members from various industries.