Economic & Political Characteristics of Russia & Central Asia Francisci WG.8

The Former Soviet Union The Soviet Union (now called Russia) broke apart in 1991. Communism ended in the Soviet Union. The former Soviet Union is now called Russia with 15 other independent nations. Soviet Union before 1991 Russia & 15 Independent Nations after 1991

From Communism to Democracy When the Soviet Union fell apart, the new country of Russia became a democracy. The transition from a communist government (a system of government in which the state plans and controls the economy and the people) to a democratic one has been very difficult for Russia and many of the new countries. These countries went from a command economy to a free market economy.

Farming & Industry Most farming and industry takes place west of the Ural Mountains in the area known as the Fertile Triangle where the black earth belt lies. The soil there is called chernozem and the major type of farming is wheat farming. In Central Asia, the main type of agriculture is cotton farming.

Trans-Siberian Railroad The Trans-Siberian Railroad is the longest railroad in the world (5,771 miles long). It was constructed between 1891 and 1916 to connect Moscow to the far east city of Vladivostok.

Russian Resources Russia is rich in natural resources. It is not however, economically profitable to develop many of these resources due to a freezing climate, limited transportation and the vastness of the country. Russia exports oil products, natural gas, timber, metals and chemicals to other countries. Russians use oil, natural gas and hydroelectric power – using water to generate power – for electricity.

Widespread Problems The region suffers from widespread pollution. Example: Chernobyl – nuclear explosion in 1986 in the former Ukraine. The Aral Sea is shrinking due to farmers using the water for irrigation purposes.

Widespread Problems Loss of agricultural regions to independent countries Government corruption Declining healthcare Growing gap between the wealthy and the rest of the population.

Examples of Situation Situation: relative location of a city. Samarkand, Uzbekistan: grew up on the major trade route known as the Silk Road. Novosibirsk & Vladivostok Russia: grew up along the Trans-Siberian Railroad.