Physical Geography of the Russian Core Landforms The Ural Mountains form a natural barrier between European Russia and Siberian Russia. The majority of the Russian population lives in the southern part of the Northern European Plain where there are waterways and fertile soil. Ukraine, the second largest European country, has vast stretches of plains and plateaus. Belarus, the smallest of the three Slavic republics that were once part of the Soviet Union, is a landlocked country with many lakes.

Physical Geography of the Russian Core Water Systems The longest river in Europe, the Volga, along with its tributaries, is an important commercial, transportation, and hydroelectric resource in Russia. The Dnieper River in Ukraine creates hydroelectric power, enables commerce, and provides fresh water. Lake Baikal in Siberia, the world’s oldest and deepest lake, is home to many unusual freshwater marine species.

Climate, Biomes, and Resources Physical Geography of the Russian Core Climate, Biomes, and Resources Russia’s vast expanse of land lies at a high latitude, resulting in cold, snowy winters. The interior of the country experiences continentality, or the effect of extreme variation in temperature and very little precipitation. Much of Russia’s abundant natural resources are in remote and climatically unfavorable areas, making them difficult to utilize.

History and Government Human Geography of the Russian Core History and Government Unrest during World War I triggered, or set off, the Russian Revolution of 1917, signaling the demise of Europe’s last absolute monarchy. The Communist-controlled Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) emerged and engaged in a political and ideological war with the West. The collapse of the Soviet Union led to the independence of 15 different countries in the region, including Belarus and Ukraine.

Human Geography of the Russian Core Population Patterns About 80 percent of Russians live west of the Ural Mountains where there is rich soil, waterways, and a milder climate. After the fall of the Soviet Union, people were free to migrate, and many settled in cities, such as the capital city of Moscow. The region is facing a population decline, with death rates increasing while birth rates are falling, resulting in a smaller, but older population.

Society and Culture Today Human Geography of the Russian Core Society and Culture Today The Soviet government promoted atheism and discriminated against different ethnic groups. In the late 1980s the government began to loosen its restrictions on religion and the arts, leading people to rediscover both. Russian women have a long history of working, first in industry and now in all sectors; financial necessity is increasing their numbers in the workforce, contributing to a lower birth rate.

Human Geography of the Russian Core Economic Activities With the fall of the Soviet Union, Russia experienced a rocky transition from a command economy to a market economy. Natural resources account for most of Russia’s exports, such as crude oil, minerals, and lumber. Although a key trading partner with Russia, Ukraine remains wary of Russia’s former power and is considering joining the European Union. Belarus remains industrially integrated and closely allied with Russia.

People and Their Environment: The Russian Core Managing Resources Russia’s rapid expansion in the oil and gas sectors has led to conflicts with organizations seeking to protect the environment. Drilling inside the Arctic Circle and pipelines travelling through protected areas generate billions of dollars, but these also threaten the surrounding environment. The use of supertrawlers with huge trawl nets has led to the unnecessary death of millions of fish and marine animals.

People and Their Environment: The Russian Core Human Impact Soviet-era industrialization has damaged Russia’s water, air, soil, and forests. Nuclear wastes, the by-products of producing nuclear power and nuclear weapons, pose a devastating impact on the environment. The Chernobyl disaster, toxic waste dumping, and overuse of pesticides have polluted the air and water, resulting in health problems and sometimes even deaths.

People and Their Environment: The Russian Core Addressing the Issues Environmental groups have come together to demand an improvement in environmental standards. International regulation has encouraged steps to prevent further contamination. Conservation efforts continue to help Russia better manage its resources.