Geography:
Geography: World’s Largest Country in Area: Russia - 17,098,242 square miles Canada - 9,984,670 US - 9,826,675 China - 9,596,961 Brazil - 8,514, 877 However… unfavorably located in relation to major sea lanes of the world; despite its size, much of the country lacks proper soils and climates (either too cold or too dry) for agriculture.
Geography: Put it in perspective…
Geography: Vast Natural Resources: Oil, natural gas, and coal Vast forests Strategic and rare minerals However…formidable obstacles of landforms and distance hinder exploitation of natural resources …in other words, they have a hard time being able to get their resources
Geography: But the major problem is climate! - Permafrost is a major impediment to development
Economy - From the Past to Now
Economy (GDP $16,000, US $47,200)
Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, moving from a centrally-planned economy to a more market-based economy, except for energy and defense-related industries.
Major Industries:
World's largest exporter of natural gas, 2nd largest of oil
Third largest exporter of steel and aluminum
Defense industries including aircraft, radar, missiles, advanced electronic components, and shipbuilding
Economy - Oil Wealth
Population Highly urban – 73% live in cities
Ranked 147 in the world for Infant Mortality
Life Expectancy is 66 (US is 78)
Low birth rate
Population – Future Problem
Problems: Ethnic violence in areas wanting independence,
primarily in Caucasus region
Violence in 5 of 6 republics, including Chechnya
Environment – Soviet-era decisions resulted in vast pollution from oil, industry, and even nuclear waste
Crime – organized crime is involved in the smuggling of drugs; Russia is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for various purposes such as prostitution and slave labor