Muslim-majority Ingushetia ranks among Russia’s healthiest regions

INGUSHETIA, Russia (MNTV) — Ingushetia has been ranked among Russia’s top three regions for adherence to a healthy lifestyle, regional governor Makhmud-Ali Kalimatov announced on his Telegram channel.

According to a RIA Novosti rating cited by Kalimatov, the republic scored 86.9 points, placing behind only Dagestan and Chechnya. Ingushetia rose from eighth place last year.

Kalimatov credited the achievement to years of joint efforts by residents, coaches, doctors, parents and local authorities. He said more than 57 percent of Ingushetia’s population now engages in regular physical activity, reflected in growing attendance at stadiums, gyms and outdoor sports facilities.

Since 2019, under the national “Demography” project, the region has built 20 major sports facilities, dozens of GTO physical fitness testing sites and more than 50 new sports clubs.

The governor’s press service said interest in martial arts, track and field, and team sports has increased notably in recent years, becoming ingrained in everyday life across the republic.

Kalimatov also linked improved sports infrastructure to better health outcomes. Life expectancy in Ingushetia has reached 78.34 years, surpassing the national average.

He added that healthy living extends beyond physical activity to nutrition, preventive care and timely medical checkups, noting that the government is expanding primary healthcare and preventive programs.

The RIA Novosti ranking is based on seven indicators, including alcohol and tobacco consumption, drug abuse levels, sports engagement and working conditions, using data from Rosstat and Russia’s Interior and Sports ministries.