RUSSIA Government, Economy, & Culture Global Studies

Russia: Fast Facts  Russian Federation is the official name of the country.  Location: Eastern Europe and northern Asia.  Population: 146 million (estimate).  Capital and Largest City: Moscow.  Major Language(s): Russian.  Monetary Unit: Ruble (1 ruble = 100 kopeks).

Government The government of the Russian Federation is based on a constitution that was approved by popular vote in Legislative branch, judicial branch, & executive branch President is the “chief of state”: 6 year terms, 2 term limits Prime Minister is head of governmental affairs and appointed by president

Russian President: Vladimir Putin Seen as some as a dictator and undemocratic, Putin has established economic gains for Russia while being a pop culture phenomenon in his own country and around the world.

Economy: From Communism to Capitalism....sort of. 1900’s: Soviets ruled through the Communist Party (oligarchy): – based on socialist philosophy: rejected capitalism, claiming it "enslaved" workers to the owners of private industry – believed that every citizen should equally contribute to and benefit from the nation's productivity. Communists decided what goods and services would be produced, how much they should cost, and who could obtain them Extreme emphasis was placed on manufacturing military weapons and equipment. Soviet Union broke up in 1991 and reform started – Transition from communism to private (individually owned) enterprise has been difficult, and many Russians have suffered the hardships of inflation, falling wages, food shortages, and unemployment.

Economic Activities Services -55 percent of Russia's workforce is employed in the service industries -financial services, wholesale and retail sales, government and social services, transportation, communication, and tourism Agriculture – Mostly rye, barley, and oats, in addition to wheat.

Economic Activities continued Foreign Trade – Russia is a major exporter of petroleum and petroleum products, natural gas, wood and wood products, metals, chemicals, and a wide variety of military goods. Manufacturing About 30 percent of Russia's workforce is employed in manufacturing industries. Chief products include the equipment and machines needed to mine and process coal, oil, and natural gas. Steel, medical and scientific products are also produced

Culture Language All Russians speak Russian as their primary language Religion Although religion was officially banned during the years of Soviet rule, Russians historically have belonged to the Eastern Orthodox Church Today about 40 percent of ethnic Russians consider themselves orthodox Christians. Education Mandatory between the ages of 6 and 17 Schooling from the first grade through college is free Only a small percentage of the best students are able to pass the entrance examinations required to gain admission to a university. Of approximately 40 universities in Russia, Moscow State University in Moscow is the largest.

Culture Continued Food and Drink black bread, cabbage soup, and sausage borscht (a soup made from beets or other vegetables) beef Stroganoff (made with sour cream) bliny (stuffed pancakes) golubtsy (meat wrapped in cabbage leaves) Caviar, probably the country's most famous and expensive gourmet delicacy, is enjoyed when available and affordable. The best is obtained from the roe (eggs) of sturgeon from the Caspian Sea. Russians everywhere drink much tea and vodka. Mineral water (with “gas”) is preferred to tap water Sports and Recreation Soccer (Europeans call it football) is the most popular team sport in Russia, as in many other countries, followed by basketball, volleyball, and hockey. Lapta, a popular bat-and-ball game similar to baseball, has been played for a long time and is mentioned in old Russian literature.

Hot Topic Democracy on the Rise!