1. Russia and the Eurasian Republics

2. Physical Geography

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. Cultural Geography

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. Russia and the Eurasian Republics Today

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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