By the end of the 19th century, women in Russia slightly outnumbered men, accounting for 50.3% of the population compared to 49.7% men. In urban areas, however, men prevailed, making up 53% of the population.

Geographically, the central part of Russia, with its "capital" in Yaroslavl province, was deemed a "female kingdom" where women constituted a significant 57% of the total population. In contrast, men predominated in the eastern and southern regions of the country, while the western provinces maintained a relatively balanced gender ratio.