Russia and the Eurasian Republics

Physical Geography

The Land The land occupied by Russia and the Eurasian republics spans two continents – Europe and Asia Plains areas cover the greatest part of Russia and the Eurasian republics

The Land Numerous mountain ranges, uplands, plateaus, and inland bodies of water are scattered throughout Russia and the Eurasian republics All of the republics except Russia, Georgia, and the Ukraine are landlocked

The Land Most of the rivers of the region flow northward and are frozen for much of the year Minerals, energy resources, fertile soils, forests, wildlife, and fish are abundant in Russia and the Eurasian republics

The Climate and Vegetation Because of their northern location, distance from large bodies of water, and lack of mountains near lowland areas, most areas of Russia and the Eurasian republics have a humid continental or subarctic climate Throughout the region summers are short, and winters are very long and very cold

The Climate and Vegetation More than half the land is covered with snow for much of the year. Permafrost is found beneath about 40% of the area Natural vegetation varies, ranging from treeless tundra in the north to densely wooded taiga in the center to barren desert in the south

Cultural Geography

Population Patterns Both Russia and each of the Eurasian republics has its own official language Three major ethnic groups – Slavs, Turkic peoples, and Caucasian peoples – live in Russia and the Eurasian republics Population is not evenly distributed across Russia and the Eurasian republics

Population Patterns In the past most of the people of Russia and the Eurasian republics lived in the countryside; today they live in the city

History and Government The first Slavic state in the region grew out of the settlements of the Slavs and the Varangians Under the czars, Russia became one of the largest empires in the world

History and Government In the early 1900s the Russian Empire became a new nation called the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) which for more than 70 years was under Communist rule All of the former republics of the USSR are now independent states

Cultures and Lifestyle The three major religions of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, as well as a number of other faiths, are now practiced openly in Russia and the Eurasian republics

Cultures and Lifestyle The people of Russian and the Eurasian republics have strong cultural traditions and are devoted to the arts. They have diverse lifestyles and enjoy a variety of different celebrations

Russia and the Eurasian Republics Today

Living in Russia and the Eurasians Republics For many decades, Russia and the Eurasian republics constituted a single economy controlled by the Soviet government Upon becoming independent, each republic took charge of its own economy and is trying to move toward a market economy

Living in Russia and the Eurasians Republics Russia and the other republics all are taking steps to privatize agriculture and industry Independence brought greater freedom of expression to the communications systems and most forms of media

Living in Russia and the Eurasians Republics Although waterways, roads, and railways remain vital methods of transportation for freight and passengers, airlines and pipelines are growing in importance Because they were parts of the Soviet system for so long, Russia and the Eurasian republics today are not totally independent of one another

People and Their Environment In their push to industrialize, the Soviets neglected and abused the environment Committed to nuclear power as an economical source of electric power, the Soviets built numerous nuclear power stations in various parts of the nation

People and Their Environment The Chernobyl disaster led to doubts and protests about nuclear energy and weapons Pollution caused by heavy industry and the use of pesticides presents a major problem for Russia and the Eurasian republics