[The preconditions of occurrence and social demographic consequences of pandemics]

The article considers the historical features of development and theoretical approaches to defining the concept of "pandemic" in social sciences. The approaches of demographic science to the study of the consequences of pandemics are outlined. The prerequisites of occurrence of major pandemics at various historical stages of humankind development are highlighted. The particular attention is paid to pandemics in the XXI century. The demographic and social economic consequences of pandemics for the countries all over the world, including the countries on post-Soviet territory, are considered. The characteristics of the COVID-19 pandemic are highlighted from the standpoint of social demographic consequences, including the impact on fertility and mortality. The key directions of pandemics control in some countries of the world are designated.