Results of research connected with formation of scientific bases of concept of sustainable social development of rural areas in the Altai Territory for the period till 2020 are presented in the article. Main tasks of the study were working out as well as approbation of theoretical, methodological and methodical questions of sustainable social development of rural areas and also a characteristic of political mechanisms of sustainable development. The problem urgency is predetermined by sharpness of social calls and by negative changes accumulated for the last two decades in the rural areas, by low efficiency of local government reform. Ambiguity of treatment of sustainable development and essence of such development in rural areas is shown. Modern features of Altai countryside development in demographic and labor spheres are described, and the characteristic of living standard and quality of life of rural population is given in the article. Criteria of social development sustainability in rural areas are worke

d out, estimation of such development in the Altai Territory at the present stage and in long-term prospect is given. Specificity of informational base of the research is using (along with statistical data) the results of inquiries of countrymen and experts.

Key words: sustainable development, social development, rural areas, living standard and quality of life, demographic sphere, labor sphere.