Doctors in Russia say the general health of the population is declining so rapidly, it's becoming an issue of national security.

In a report drawn up for the Kremlin, they said that in just twelve months the average life expectancy of Russian men and women had fallen by a year.

A member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences Oleg Schepin said they had to raise the alarm because the situation was so serious. The doctors said two of the main reasons for declining health were smoking and excessive drinking. The report also highlighted concern at the possible impact on Russia's economic and military status if the population -- which slumped by more than half-a-million this year -- should continue to fall.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service