Russia Background
- Russian Flag
Russia is bordered by fourteen countries with the Artic Ocean to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the east. The Russian Federation has twenty-one autonomous republics, ten autonomous regions, two federal cities and forty-nine regions. Its capital is Moscow and its currency is the ruble.
Climate - Typically, Russia is considered a cold country with a continental climate, long winters and short summers. However, climate differs widely in different areas of this vast country.
History - Russia has a long, hard history of fighting and wars. Its eventful past has made it the country it is today.
Industry - Russia is an industrial country. Its urban population is significantly greater than rural at almost 80%. Despite its size, most of the country lacks the proper soil and climate for agriculture. Forests cover half the land area and only a little over 7% of the land is arable for crops.
Economy - The economy logged seven straight years of growth, averaging 6.4% annually through 2005. These achievements, along with a renewed government effort to advance structural reforms, have raised business and investor confidence in Russia's economic prospects. Nevertheless, serious problems persist.
The financial situation is very different for Russians living in urban versus rural areas. The majority of money is found in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and a few other major cities. Russia has a transitional economy and its income gap has risen as a result of the increasing poverty rate. About 22% of the population has an income below the subsistence minimum of $63 per month.
Country Comparison
| Russia | USA | |
| Population | 141.378 million | 301 million |
| Land Mass | 6,592,800 sq. miles | 3,536,277 sq. miles |
| People per Square Mile | 22 | 76 |
| Average Annual Income | $12,200 | $43,800 |
| Life Expectancy | 66 years | 78 years |
| Access to Adequate Sanitation | 87% | 100% |
| Access to Safe Water | 96% | 100% |
| Under 5 mortality rate | 11 deaths/1000 live births | 6.4 deaths/1000 live births |
The People of Russia
Russia is home to more than 100 nationalities and several religious denominations.
Religion - Religion plays a dominant role in the lives of many Russians today. The majority of believers are Russian Orthodox Christian.
Language - The country's official language is Russian. However, many minority languages are used as well. Each autonomous republic uses its own language as a second official language.
Health Conditions - Russians are subject to numerous health problems due to pollution, deforestation, soil erosion and contamination, and improper waste management. The supply of safe drinking water remains a concern as well.
The Growing Number of Orphans
The number of orphans, foster children, and homeless children is growing rapidly in Russia. It is estimated that only 10% of these children are without parental care because of their parents' death or disablement. The remaining 90% are social orphans. Every year about 100,000 additional children are in need of social guardianship.
Russian Culture
The culture of Russia is a hybrid, created from its many different cultures and centuries of development. The big cities offer world-class symphonies and ballets and numerous libraries, museums and theaters. However, the true heart of Russia is easier to find in a small city or village. Hospitality is a great Russian virtue.
Pastimes - In the summer, many Russians enjoy swimming, countryside rambles and fishing. Winter activities include ice skating, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing.
Popular sports include soccer, ice hockey, and tennis as well as gymnastics and other Olympic sports. Checkers and dominoes are popular games.
Festivals & Holidays - Russia is known for celebrating many festivals and holidays. Major celebrations include Russian New Year, Women's Day, Victory Day, and Russian Orthodox Christmas. Click here to find more Russian holidays on Earth Calendar.
Russian Cuisine - Russian cuisine is famous for exotic soups, cabbage schi and solyanka, which is made from exotic meats. Homemade pies, pickles, sauerkraut, and mushroom dishes can be found on almost every Russian table. And, no meal is complete without bread. Russians eat more rye bread than any nation in the world.
Statistics and information from CIA World Factbook, I Orphan, and UNICEF.
