The number of internet users in Russia continues to grow – shows Gemius internet data analysis. According to the latest data from February 2014, there are about 67.2 million internet users in Russia, which is 10 per cent more than last year.

"The internet is the fastest growing channel, with 27 per cent growth in 2013 in comparison to 2012. Currently, the internet in Russia is the second most popular medium after TV in terms of the media mix split" says Anton Melekhov, an expert in online market and the head of the Gemius Russian branch.

Nevertheless, the internet penetration in Russia amounts to only 58 per cent, which is not so high in comparison with other countries, where this indicator can be as high as 88 per cent (Denmark).

In addition, the largest number of internet users live in the Central district of Russia, including Moscow (29 per cent), and the least in Dalnevostochnyi district (about 4 per cent). When it comes to gender of the internet audience, women (53 per cent) surpass men (47 per cent).

The daily number of Runet users oscillates between 32 and 40 million people. They spend nearly 2.5 hours per day surfing the web and 20 per cent are doing it from their workplace. However they are most active at weekends: the average time per user amounts to 5 hours.

The analyzed data demonstrate that the audience of Runet shows low interest in information services: only 14 per cent from 36 million internet users read news every day. For comparison, social networking sites attract daily as much as 40 per cent of the Russian web population.

The data quoted originates from an international internet study measurement (gemiusAudience) conducted by Gemius in more than 30 countries. It aims to research into the number and demographic profile of internet users and the manner in which they utilize the web, audio and video content, as well as mobile applications. The study is performed according to a Gemius proprietary hybrid methodology and in accordance with the ICC/ESOMAR international code of conduct.