The study including integral estimates of the tuberculosis epidemic situation in Russia as a whole in the period of 1985 to 2004 and in its regions in 2004 has been undertaken. Its basic difference from numerous studies in this area is a comprehensive assessment using integral estimates derived by the authors' method. A set of single epidemiological parameters that reflect the epidemic situation to the greatest extent and are the basis for calculating integral estimates that adequately reflect the tension of tuberculosis endemia is presented. The use of this procedure has allowed the authors to follow up trends in the tuberculosis epidemic situation in Russia in the past 20 years and to establish its association with socioeconomic upheavals occurring in the country over the study period. An association of tuberculosis endemic ill-being with its location has been established by Federal districts.