Overview
Russia is once again flexing its muscles as an international power, after the decade of economic pain and political instability that followed the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. A new political order is in place and the economy has recovered and grown since the collapse of 1998, fuelled by income from Russia's vast natural resources, not least in oil and gas. The state-run gas monopoly Gazprom is the world's largest producer and exporter, and supplies a growing share of Europe's needs. Spanning 11 time zones, Russia is the largest country on earth in terms of surface area, although large tracts in the north and east are inhospitable and sparsely populated.
Map
Facts
| Full name | Russian Federation |
|---|---|
| Population: | 142.8 million (UN, 2008) |
| Capital: | Moscow |
| Area: | 17 million sq km (6.6 million sq miles) |
| Major language: | Russian |
| Major religions: | Christianity, Islam |
| Life expectancy: | 59 years (men), 73 years (women) (UN) |
| Monetary unit: | 1 rouble = 100 kopecks |
| Main exports | Oil and oil products, natural gas, wood and wood products, metals, chemicals, weapons and military equipment |
| GNI per capita | US $7,560 (World Bank, 2007) |
| Internet domain: | .ru |
| International dialling code: | +7 |
Knowledge
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Regions and territories: South OssetiaCountry profiles
Within days, Russian troops had swept the Georgian forces out of both South Ossetia and Abkhazia, and then proceeded to occupy parts of Georgia. Separated from Georgia in a 1991-92 war.
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Science & Nature - Climate ChangeScience & Nature
People from all over the world downloaded the BBC climate change experiment. The map and table show which countries users came from.r. 9 July 2009 Science & Nature Climate Change Experiment Results ...
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History - Loot: Why the Vikings Came to BritainHistory
This is despite the fact that Vikings were not just pirates and warriors but also traders and colonists. the 'work of angels' were looted and taken home by Vikings.'...
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History - Loot and LandHistory
The word Viking means one who lurks in a 'vik' or bay, in effect, a pirate. This is despite the fact that Vikings were not just pirates and warriors but also traders and colonists.
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Radio 4 In Our Time - Home PageRadio 4 In Our Time
A couple of programmes on Russia and Bohemia, scattered remarks here and there - one could think that Eastern Europe has no history of ideas!
Blogs
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Meanwhile, elsewhere in the world ...15 May 09 | Robin Lustig - World Tonight
And did you notice that the European Union signed an energy agreement with Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey and Egypt aimed at developing a "southern corridor" for gas supplies which would bypass Russia? ...
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State rights vs human rights?22 Apr 09 | Robin Lustig - World Tonight
Why did Russia back independence for Abhkazia and South Ossetia, but not for Kosovo? Why did Russia back independence for Abhkazia and South Ossetia, but not for Kosovo? ...
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Unresolved conflicts20 Apr 09 | Alistair Burnett - The Editors
Yet it has all the makings of being another flashpoint between the EU and Russia, along with Ukraine and Georgia. ...
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The imbalances that could sink the G2012 Mar 09 | Paul Mason - Newsnight: Paul Mason
On top of that the IMF has committed $65bn to Pakistan, Latvia, Iceland, Hungary and Ukraine - a figure which though small represents a staggering 20% of these countries combined GDP. ...
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My predictions for 200930 Dec 08 | Robin Lustig - World Tonight
There'll be growing social unrest in Russia - and China - over rising unemployment. One of the Baltic nations?) to take voters' minds off the economic crisis. 8. ...
News
News Articles
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OECD sees hard times for Russia15 Jul 09 | BusinessThe OECD has highlighted other ways in which Russia could streamline its economy. Russia has been getting back on its feet since its own financial crisis of 1998.
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Media ponder 'energy chess game'15 Jul 09 | BusinessUKRAINE'S EKONOMICHESKIYE IZVESTIYA Observers suggest that Azerbaijan will blackmail Europe with gas sales to Russia, and Russia with co-operation with Europe.
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UN monitors to leave Georgia15 Jul 09 | EuropeLast August, Russia backed Abkhazia's declaration of independence from Georgia. So, as they prepare to leave their field offices in Abkhazia and Georgia, there will be no farewell ceremony.
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Europe gas pipeline deal agreed13 Jul 09 | Business
The disruptions have been caused by Russia cutting supplies to Ukraine following a number of disputes over how much Ukraine must pay for its gas.
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Russian leader visits S Ossetia13 Jul 09 | EuropeRussia is one of only two countries to have recognised the independence of South Ossetia and Georgia's other breakaway region, Abkhazia.
News Clips
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Back from their 'mission' to Mars14 Jul 09Six volunteers from Russia, Germany and France have emerged from a capsule in Moscow after spending more than three months locked up in a simulated space capsule.
Watch "Back from their 'mission' to Mars" now -
Russian 'Madonna' comes to the UK14 Jul 09Russian singer Valeryia is more famous than Madonna in her home country. She talks to BBC Breakfast about breaking the UK market. ...
Watch "Russian 'Madonna' comes to the UK" now -
Locust 'emergency' in Russia10 Jul 09Swarms of locusts are destroying crops in the Astrakhan region of southern Russia, leading to a state of emergency.
Watch "Locust 'emergency' in Russia" now -
Obama urges shift in Russia ties07 Jul 09US President Barack Obama has urged Russia to turn from the past, emphasising the common goals the US shares with its former Cold War rival.
Watch "Obama urges shift in Russia ties" now -
Obama urges Russia partnership07 Jul 09On the second day of his trip to Russia, President Obama has called for a strong, peaceful and prosperous Russia, working in partnership with the United States.
Watch "Obama urges Russia partnership" now
Around the web
News From Other Sources
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6. Craving to Be a Great Power14 Jul 09 | Moscow Times
Weather
Weather for Moscow
| Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conditions |  light showers |  sunny |  sunny intervals |
| Max Temperature | Max:24°C/75°F | Max:26°C/79°F | Max:26°C/79°F |
| Min Temperature | Min:16°C/61°F | Min:18°C/64°F | Min:19°C/66°F |
Sport
Sport Articles
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Tour de France - Stage 10 as it happened14 Jul 09Well, there are three home riders in the breakaway group - Benoit Vaugrenard (FDJ), Thierry Hupond (Skil-Shimano) and Samuel Dumoulin (Cofidis) (Russia's Mikhail Ignatiev (Katusha) is also up there).
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Harris leads GB to world play-off14 Jul 09Led by Coventry Bees skipper Chris Harris, GB finished third behind Poland and Australia in their qualifier.
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Mason returns with PB at finals09 Jul 09The competition in Chinese Taipei was dominated by South Korea, who were only denied a clean sweep of medals by Russia's Serguei Karyakin claiming bronze.
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GB women chase water polo dream06 Jul 09Britain play Belarus, Portugal and Slovakia in their group, while Switzerland, Croatia, Czech Republic and Ukraine are also in the tournament which runs from 7-12 July.
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Tour de France ones to watch03 Jul 09
The British riders and leading contenders for the 2009 Tour. Tour de France ones to watch Seven-time winner Lance Armstrong's return to the ...
Sport Clips
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Interview: Chris Gunter06 Sep 08Wales teenager Chris Gunter tells Football Focus the time has come for John Toshack's young side to deliver, ahead of their opening 2010 World Cup qualifiers against Azerbaijan and Russia.
Watch "Interview: Chris Gunter" now -
Russia will have an advantage - Stepanov15 Oct 07Estonia's Andrei Stepanov, who has played for Torpedo Moscow, thinks the inexperience of the England side of playing on a plastic pitch makes Russia favourites.
Listento "Russia will have an advantage - Stepanov" now -
Owen gives England fitness boost10 Oct 07England striker Michael Owen confirms that he is definitely fit for the Euro 2008 Qualifiers against Estonia and Russia and plays down the speculation of a rift between club and country.
Watch "Owen gives England fitness boost" now -
McClaren frustrated by injury jinx09 Oct 07England boss Steve McClaren is upset that the withdrawal of Wes Brown from his squad has added to an already long injury list ahead of the Euro 2008 Qualifiers against Estonia and Russia.
Listento "McClaren frustrated by injury jinx" now -
McClaren asserts Owen authority05 Oct 07England boss Steve McClaren insists whether to play injury concern Michael Owen in the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Estonia and Russia is ultimately his decision.
Listento "McClaren asserts Owen authority" now
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