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Basic information about Russia

Russia       Russians       Visiting Russia       English-Russian phrase-book

• Geography
• Population
• Language
• The state
• Economy
• Statistics
• Russia in World Rankings
• History

Geography

Russia is the largest country in the world with the total area 17 075 400 square kilometers (over 6.5 million square miles), that is about 1,8 times the size of the USA. It's situated in the Eastern part of Europe and Northern part of Asia. The main part of the European territory of Russia is situated within the Eastern European Plain (Vostochno-Evropeyskaya Ravnina). The southern border is on the North Caucasus. The main part of the Asian area of Russia is on Zapadno-Sibirskaya Ravnina and Sredne-Sibirskoye Ploskogor'ye. The territory of Russia spans through 11 times zones.  

Russia borders with Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus, Poland, Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, China and North Korea by land, and with Sweden, Turkey, Japan and the USA by sea.

The climate of Russia varies from the steppes in the south and coastal on the north-west through humid continental in much of European Russia; sub arctic in Siberia to tundra climate in the polar north and monsoon on the Far East. The average temperatures of January vary from 0 to -50°C, July - from 1 to 25°C. Many regions of Siberia and Far East are situated in the permafrost zone. Thus, Russia is one of the coldest countries in the world. The town of Oimyakon in north-east Siberia is the coldest inhabited place on earth, with temperatures recorded at more than 70°C below zero. The inhabited areas are mostly in the continental climate zones with long freezing winters (5-6 months long) and short warm summers. 

The largest rivers: Volga, Lena, Irtysh, Yenisey, Ob, Amur. 

The largest lakes: Caspean Sea, Aral'skoye More, Baykal, Ladozhskoye, Onezhskoye.

Russia has an extremely wide natural resource base including major deposits of oil, natural gas, coal, strategic minerals, timber, diamonds and gold. There are  85 nature reserves and 25 national parks.

Population

Total population is about 144.7 mln people, with about 72.9% urban population. Most of the population are Russians (81,5%), with more than 100 other nationalities (Tatar 3.8%, Ukrainian 3%, Chuvash 1.2%, Bashkir 0.9%).

Language

The official language is Russian. Every autonomous republic uses its own language as the second official language. Religions: Russian Orthodox, Muslim, Judaic and others. 1066 cities and towns, 2070 urban settlements (1994).

The state

The official name of the state: Russian Federation. It is a democratic federative republic. The country was formed as independent 24 August 1991 from the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic of Soviet Union. The current Constitution was adopted 12 December 1993 by national referendum.

Russia is divided into 21 autonomous republics, 10 autonomous okrugs, 6 krays, 2 federal cities (Moscow and St. Petersburg), 1 autonomous oblast and 49 oblasts. The national capital is Moscow.

The chief of the state - President, elected by popular vote for a four-year term. Current president is Vladimir Putin (since March 2000).

The legislative branch is bicameral Federal Assembly (Federal'noye Sobranie), which consists of State Duma (Gosudarstvennaya Duma) and the Federation Council (Sovet Federatzii).

The executive branch is run by the government. The head of the government is appointed by the president with approval of the State Duma.

Economy

Russia is potentially one of the wealthiest countries with its natural resources, a well-educated population (99.6% adult literacy; 64% tertiary education enrollment rate), and a diverse industrial base. Nevertheless, its economic situation has deteriorated since the beginning of Perestroika in 1985, which announced moving from centrally planned economy to a market economy. The absence of a clear economical doctrine and means led to destruction of internal economical structure and declining of industries. In its turn, it led to significant raise of unemployment, with official unemployment figures of 10.2% (which might be in reality twice as high, since many people do not file for unemployment benefits). 

Russian health and education systems, which used to be of the highest standard during the Soviet times, were slowly deteriorating. Inflation, started in 1992, reached its peak in 1994, and increased 10 000% by the end of 1997. In 1998 the government implemented a 1000% denomination of national currency (Rouble), turning back prices from thousands rubles to rubles.

August 1998 brought a new serious crisis. The exchange rate of US Dollar flew up from 6 to 24 rubles in less than 6 weeks. Small businesses were almost devastated. Prices for consumer goods increased in 4-5 times with the salaries increased only on 20-30%.

However, the crisis gave a boost to the development of national industries, which could not compete with foreign goods with the low dollar rate. Now, 5 years after the crisis, the results become visible with reviving the industrial enterprises, particularly in production of consumer goods and food processing.

Currently the average salary is Russia is about US$100 (salary of a teacher, government employee etc).

The government experiences permanent difficulties with collection of taxes and fulfilling the national budget. A lot of economic activity is officially unaccounted for and organized crime plays a significant role.

National income (GDP): US$310 billion, from which:

• industries - 39.4%
• agriculture - 7.2%
• services - 53.4%

The average annual growth in real GDP in 1991-2001: -3.3%
GDP per head: $2.140

The main industries: complete range of mining and extractive industries producing coal, oil, gas, chemicals, and metals; all forms of machine building from rolling mills to high-performance aircraft and space vehicles; shipbuilding; road and rail transportation equipment; communications equipment; agricultural machinery, tractors, and construction equipment; electric power generating and transmitting equipment; medical and scientific instruments; consumer durables, textiles, foodstuffs, handicrafts.

12 economic regions: Northern, Northern-Eastern, Central, Volgo-Vyatskiy, Central-Chernozemniy, Povolzhskiy, Northern-Caucasus, Ural, Western-Siberian, Eastern-Siberian, Far-Eastern and Kaliningrad region.

Statistics

All statistical figures are quoted as according to:
The Economist: Pocket World in Figures, 2004 Edition

People

Population: 144.7 m
Population per square km: 8
Average annual growth in population, 2000-05: - 0.57%
Population under 15: 18.0%
Population over 60: 18.5%
Number of men per 100 women: 88
Life expectancy (men): 60.8 yrs
Life expectancy (women): 73.1 yrs
Adult literacy: 99.6%
Fertility rate (per woman): 1.1
Urban population (per 1,000 population): 72.9% 

The Economy

GDP: Rb9,041bn
GDP: $310bn
Average annual growth in real GDP 1991-2001: -3.3%
GDP per head: $2,140
GDP per head in purchasing power parity (USA=100): 20.1

Inflation and finance

Consumer price inflation 2002: 15.8%

Trade (Principal exports), $bn fob

Mineral products: 53.6
Metals: 14.6
Machinery & equipment: 10.4
Chemicals: 7.4
Total including others: 103.1

Trade (Principal imports), $bn fob

Machinery & equipment: 14.1
Food products: 9.1
Chemicals: 7.5
Metals: 3.0
Total including others: 59.0

Health and education

Health spending, % of GDP: 6.1
Doctors per 1,000 population: 4.4
Hospital beds per 1,000 population: 13.1
Education spending, % of GDP: 4.4

Society

Number of households: 51.8m
Average number of household: 2.8
Cost of living (Dec.2002, New York = 100): 84 

Russia In World Rankings

The largest countries, '000 sq km: 

1. Russia: 17,075
2. Canada: 9,971
3. China: 9,561

The largest deserts, '000 sq km:

1. Sahara (Nothern Africa): 8,600
2. Arabia (South West Asia): 2,300
10. Kyzylkum (Central Asia/Russia): 300

The largest lakes, '000 sq km:

1. Caspian Sea (Central Asia/Russia): 371
2. Superior (Candada/US): 82
6. Aral Sea (Central Asia/Russia): 34
9. Baikal (Russia): 30

Largest populations (2001), millions:

1. China: 1,285.0
2. India: 1,025.1
6. Russia: 144.7

Slowest growing populations (2000-05), average annual growth %:

1. Estonia: -1.10
2. Latvia: -0.93
7. Russia: -0.57

Lowest fertility rates, average number of children per woman (2000-05):

1. Hong Kong: 1.00
2. Bulgaria: 1.10
5. Russia: 1.14

Biggest cities, population m (2000):

1. Tokyo (Japan): 26.4
2. Mexico City (Mexico): 18.1
24. Moscow (Russia): 8.4

Most female populations, number of males per 100 females:

1. Estonia: 85
2. Latvia: 85
7. Russia: 88

Nationality of asylum applications in industrialized countries, '000 2001:

1. Afghanistan: 52.8
2. Iraq: 50.4
6. Russia: 18.3

Biggest economies, GDP $bn:

1. United States: 10,065.3
2. Japan: 4,141.4
16. Russia: 310.0

Biggest economics by purchasing power, GDP PPP $bn:

1. United States: 9,792
2. China: 5,111
10. Russia: 1,028

Lowest economic growth (1991-2001),
average annual % change in real GDP:

1. Moldova: -8.5
2. Georgia: -8.2
8. Russia: -3.3

Biggest traders, % of total world exports:

1. Euro area: 16.80
2. United States: 14.70
18. Russia: 1.37

Largest surpluses, $m:

1. Japan: 87,800
2. Russia: 34,621
3. Norway: 25,960

Largest surpluses as % of GDP, %:

1. Qatar: 26.3
2. Kuwait: 26.1
11. Russia: 11.2

Highest inflation (2001-2002), % consumer price inflation:

1. Zimbabwe: 134.5
2. Angola: 110.0
14. Russia: 15.8

Highest foreign debt, $m:

1. Brazil: 226,362
2. China: 170,110
4. Russia: 152,649

Largest industrial output, $bn:

1. United States: 2,227
2. Japan: 1,433
14. Russia: 102

Lowest growth in industrial output,
average annual real % growth (1991-2001):

1. Tajikistan: -10.7
2. Moldova: -9.8
11. Russia: -5.2

Largest manufacturing output, $bn:

1. United States: 1,422
2. Japan: 854
8. Russia: 153

Largest services output, $bn:

1. United States: 6,975
2. Japan: 2,828
19. Russia: 153

Lowest growth (Agriculture), average annual real % growth (1991-2001):

1. Moldova: -10.3
2. Hong Kong: -6.9
7. Russia: -3.3

Biggest producers (Cereals), '000 tonnes:

1. China: 398,394
2. United States: 325,288
4. Russia: 83,202

Biggest producers (Meat), '000 tonnes:

1. China: 64,482
2. United States: 37,807
9. Russia: 4,474

Wheat, Top 10 producers, '000 tonnes:

1. China: 94,000
2. EU15: 90,500
5. Russia: 46,900

Wheat, Top 10 consumers, '000 tonnes:

1. China: 109,600
2. EU15: 90,500
4. Russia: 38,300

Coarse grains, Top 5 producers, '000 tonnes:

1. United States: 262,000
2. China: 123,600
5. Russia: 36,800

Tea, Top 10 consumers, '000 tonnes:

1. India: 673
2. China: 452
4. Russia: 144

Cocoa, Top 10 consumers, '000 tonnes:

1. United States: 691
2. Germany: 296
5. Russia: 173

Copper, Top producers, '000 tonnes:

1. Chile: 4,739
2. United States: 1,360
7. Russia: 587

Nickel, Top 10 producers, '000 tonnes:

1. Russia: 267.3
2. Australia: 206.0
3. Canada: 194.1

Aluminium, Top 10 producers, '000 tonnes:

1. China: 3,371
2. Russia: 3,302
3. United States: 2,637

Aluminium, Top 10 consumers, '000 tonnes:

1. United States: 5,122
2. China: 3,492
6. Russia: 786

Gold, Top 10 producers, tonnes:

1. South Africa: 393.5
2. United States: 335.0
7. Russia: 155.0

Platinum, Top 3 producers, tonnes:

1. South Africa: 127.5
2. Russia: 40.5
3. North America: 10.9

Palldium, Top 3 consumers, tonnes:

1. Russia: 135.0
2. South Africa: 62.5
3. North America: 26.4

Rubber (natural and synthetic), Top 10 producers, '000 tonnes:

1. Thailand: 2,430
2. United States: 2,064
6. Russia: 919

Rubber (natural and syntetic), Top 10 consumers, '000 tonnes:

1. United States: 2,814
2. China: 2,790
8. Russia: 611

Raw wool, Top 10 producers, '000 tonnes:

1. Australia: 607
2. China: 294
4. Russia: 129

Raw wool, Top 10 consumers, '000 tonnes:

1. China: 436
2. Italy: 146
3. Russia: 73

Cotton, Top 10 consumers, '000 tonnes:

1. China: 5,500
2. India: 2,900
10. Russia: 340

Oil, Top 15 producers, '000 barrels per day:

1. Saudi Arabia: 8,768
2. United States: 7,177
3. Russia: 7,056

Oil, Top 15 consumers, '000 barrels per day:

1. United States: 19,633
2. Japan: 5,427
5. Russia: 2,456

Natural gas, Top 10 producers, billion cubic metres:

1. United States: 555.4
2. Russia: 542.4
3. Canada: 172.0

Natural gas, Top 10 consumers, billion cubic metres:

1. United States: 616.2
2. Russia: 372.7
3. United Kingdom: 95.4

Coal, Top 10 producers, million tonnes oil equivalent:

1. United States: 590.7
2. China: 548.5
6. Russia: 120.8

Coal, Top 10 consumers, million tonnes oil equivalent:

1. United States: 555.7
2. China: 520.6
4. Russia: 114.6

Highest % of population in labour force, 2001 or latest:

1. China: 56.5
2. Switzerland: 56.1
33. Russia: 47.7

Highest % women in force, 2001 or latest:

1. Belarus: 52.9
2. Cambodia: 51.6
15. Russia: 47.7

Highest rate of unemployment, % of labour force:

1. Macedonia: 55.5
2. Réunion: 39.7
37. Russia: 10.2

Global competitiveness, Government:

1. Finland
2. Singapore
43. Russia

The business environment, 2003-07 score:

1. Netherlands: 8.76
2. Canada: 8.73
46. Russia: 5.97

Patents, number of patents granted to residents Total (2000):

1. Japan: 123.978
2. United States: 83.090
6. Russia: 16,340

Highest business operating costs, 100=highest (2001):

1. Japan: 100.0
2. United States: 66.3
19. Russia: 21.0

Highest business software piracy, % of software that is pirated (2001):

1. Vietnam: 94
2. China: 92
4. Russia: 87

Largest market capitalisation, $m (end 2001):

1. United States: 13,810,428
2. Japan: 2,251,814
28. Russia: 76,198

Highest growth in market capitalisation, $ term % increase (1996-2001):

1. Bulgaria: 7,114
2. Romania: 3,626
26. Russia: 105

Highest growth in value traded, $ terms % increase (1996-2001):

1. Kazakhstan: 15,900
2. Romania: 4,167
7. Russia: 674

Highest growth in number of listed companies, % increase (1996-2001):

1. Romania: 30,135
2. Bulgaria: 2,560
6. Russia: 223

Longest road networks, km (2001 or latest):

1. United States: 6,304,193
2. India: 3,319,644
10. Russia: 537,289

Most crowed road networks, number of vehicles per km of road network (2001 or latest):

1. Hong Kong: 286.7
2. United Arab Emirates: 231.6
27. Russia: 47.3

Most air travel, million passenger-km per year:

1. United States: 1,106,347
2. Japan: 198,794
15. Russia: 48,027

Longest railway networks, '000 km:

1. United States: 230.2
2. Russia: 85.8
3. India: 63.0

Most rail passengers, Km per person per year:

1. Switzerland: 1,923
2. China: 1,896
12. Russia: 865

Most rail freight, million tonnes-km per year:

1. United States: 2,151,866
2. China: 1,424,980
3. Russia: 1,249,166

Largest merchant fleets, number of vessels not less than 100 GRT and built before end of 2002:

1. Japan: 7,458 (registration), 2,912 (ownership)
2. Panama: 6,247 (registration), 6 (ownership)
4. Russia: 4,943 (registration), 2,548 (ownership)

Most tourist arrivals, number of arrivals '000:

1. France: 76,503
2. Spain: 49,532
7. Russia: 20,207

Biggest tourist spenders, $m:

1. United States: 58,008
2. Germany: 47,494
13. Russia: 7,645

Largest tourist receipts, $m:

1. United States: 68,448
2. France: 29,283
16. Russia: 6,297

Highest death rates, number of deaths per 1,000 populations (2000-05):

1. Sierra Leone: 29.3
2. Zambia: 28.0
35. Russia: 14.6

Largest death by infection/parasitic disease,
deaths per 100,000 population:

1. South Africa: 92.4
2. Turkmenistan: 47.2
13. Russia: 25.1

Largest death by Intentional injury, deaths per 100,000 population:

1. Colombia: 65.1
2. El Salvador: 61.9
3. Russia: 53.7

Most hospital beds, beds per 1,000 population:

1. Japan: 17.0
2. Norway: 14.0
3. Russia: 13.1

Lowest population per doctor, latest population per doctor:

1. Argentina: 52
2. Italy: 169
8. Russia: 226

Highest cost living, December 2002 (USA = 100):

1. Japan: 139
2. Norway: 123
23. Russia: 84

Smallest households, population per dwelling:

1. Sweden: 2.0
2. Denmark: 2.1
33. Russia: 2.8

Peace Nobel prize winners, 1901-2002:

1. United States: 17
2. United Kingdom: 11
12. Russia: 2

Economics Nobel prize winners, 1901-2002:

1. United States: 26
2. United Kingdom: 8
8. Russia: 1

Literature Nobel prize winners, 1901-2002:

1. France: 14
2. United States: 12
10. Russia: 3

Physics Nobel prize winners, 1901-2002:

1. United States: 44
2. United Kingdom: 19
6. Russia: 5

Chemistry Nobel prize winners, 1901-2002:

1. United States: 38
2. United Kingdom: 22
18. Russia: 1

Winter games (Olympic medal winners), 1924-2002:

1. Germany: 872 (gold), 659 (silver), 581 (bronze)
2. Norway: 517 (gold), 423 (silver), 382 (bronze)
11. Russia: 27 (gold), 20 (silver), 13 (bronze)

Alcoholic drinks, retail sales ($ per head):

1. Ireland: 1,355.5
2. United Kingdom: 901.8
21. Russia: 154.8

Smokers, average annual consumption of cigarettes per head per day (2002):

1. Greece: 8.6
2. Bulgaria: 7.7
9. Russia: 5.8

Total prison population, latest available year:

1. United States: 2,021,223
2. China: 1,428,126
3. Russia: 919,330

Prisoners per 100,00 population, latest available year:

1. United States: 707
2. Russia: 638
3. Belarus: 554

Astronauts, longest time in space (hours):

1. Musa Manarov, Russia: 12,984
2. Sergi Krikalev, Russia: 11,064
3. Yuri Ramanenko, Russia: 10,344
4. Alexandr Volkov, Russia: 9,384
5. Leonid Kizim, Russia: 9,024
6. John Blaha, United States: 3,864

Defence spending, as % of GDP:

1. Eirtrea: 20.9
2. Angola: 17.0
37. Russia: 4.3

Arm forces, '000:

1. China: 2,310 (Regular), 550 (Reserves)
2. United States: 1,368 (Regular), 1,201 (Reserves)
5. Russia: 977 (Regular), 2,400 (Reserves)

Environment quality of life, Lowest cities (New York = 100):

1. Mexico city, Mexico: 29.5
2. Baku, Azerbaijan: 31.5
8. Novosibirsk, Russia: 52.5

History

The history of Russia is a history of wars, migrations of nations, occupations, takeovers and revolutions, just like any other. Here is a guide to the milestone events of Russian history. To receive detailed information on the history of  Russia, please follow the links below the table.

The newest Russian history

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