In the territory of the Republic of Karelia now live three aboriginal people – karelians, russian, vepsians, who created unique and original culture. Residing of ethnic groups – territorially-localised historically developed on the basis of eco- nomic way of ethnos rural settlements that are characterized by domination of traditional forms of economic activities, use of handicraft crafts, cottage industry. Problems of the labour market and the youth’s position in it are especially acute in rural areas due to reforms and changes in the system of economic relations in the agrarian and forest sectors, and local administration. Difficulties of life in coun- tryside influence on the vital self-determination of youth, promoting strengthening of youth migration in the central part of Republic of Karelia and the Russian Federation. In this connection one of the actual questions is the perspectives of rural settlements development, labour potential of which is a basis of economic life, and self-development of territories. Tourism now appears as one of promising lines for regional development in the Republic of Karelia, which can mitigate social problems, and act as a factor for conservation and reproduction of the natural, historical and cultural potential of the territory. One of promising directions of rural tourism growth is development of the ethnographic tourism based on visiting ethnographic sites for the purpose of knowledge of traditional folklife culture: traditions, culture and a life of the people, the ethnos living on the certain territory. Full-fledged development of the tourism business is only possible if the youth are involved in this sphere of economic activity, recognize its importance, and perceive it as a resource for their life strategy. The work was executed under government order «The role of human capital in a dilemma: the new economic theories – modern challenges».
rural settlements, local community, youth, labour market, ethnos, culture, ethnocultural centre, ethnotourism.
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