Population: 142 million
Capital: Moscow
Major language: Russian
Major religion: Islam, Christianity
Life expectancy: 61 years (men), 73 years (women)
Monetary unit: 1 rouble = 100 kopecks
Main exports: Oil and oil products, natural gas, wood and wood products, metals, chemicals, weapons and military equipment
Average annual income: US $2,610
Internet domain: .ru
International dialling code: +7
About Russia
The Russian Federation is a country that stretches over a vast expanse of Europe and Asia. With an area of 17,075,400 kilometres squared (6,595,600 miles squared), it is the largest country in the world, covering almost twice the territory of the second largest nation, Canada. Despite its great size, Russia is sparsely populated, and much of its expanse constitutes vast tracts of forest, grasslands and tundra. It has only the eighth highest population in the world.
The Russian Federation has existed since 1991, during which year the The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) was dissolved after nearly 70 years of power. Russia became the largest of fifteen segregated states, but it has since struggled to rebuild the power and influence it held as the head of the Soviet Union.
During Soviet times Russia enjoyed the position of one of the world's two great superpowers, owing largely to Stalin's ambitious drive towards industrialisation (at the cost of millions of lives in slave labour) and wealth accumulated after the victory over Germany in the Second World War. Later, under Brezhnev, the USSR continued to prosper as Soviet patriotism saw the Russians competing with the USA in the arms and space races. Perhaps this is why these times are still referred to by many ageing Russians as a golden age in their history. However, the corruption that plagued the Soviet regime, and the incompatability of communism and consumerism, meant that - despite several attempts to restructure and reform - the regime collapsed amidst a number of political wrangles.
It was President Yeltsin who eventually emerged victorious, defying several coups and declaring The Communist Party illegal. Russia has since enjoyed an uneasy and politically unstable ride from a Socialist central economy to a Capitalist system. Whereas many have amassed untold wealth, many more - particularly from poorer communities - have seen their living standards decrease.
Today, President Putin has brought increased political and economic stability to Russia. However his government has increased state control of the media, and questions from the international community have been raised about his record on human rights in Russia.