Geography:

Geography: World’s Largest Country in Area: Russia - 17,098,242 square miles Canada - 9,984,670 US - 9,826,675 China - 9,596,961 Brazil - 8,514, 877 However… unfavorably located in relation to major sea lanes of the world; despite its size, much of the country lacks proper soils and climates (either too cold or too dry) for agriculture.

Geography: Put it in perspective…

Geography: Vast Natural Resources: Oil, natural gas, and coal Vast forests Strategic and rare minerals However…formidable obstacles of landforms and distance hinder exploitation of natural resources …in other words, they have a hard time being able to get their resources

Geography: But the major problem is climate! - Permafrost is a major impediment to development

Economy - From the Past to Now

Economy (GDP $16,000, US $47,200)

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, moving from a centrally-planned economy to a more market-based economy, except for energy and defense-related industries.

Major Industries:

World's largest exporter of natural gas, 2nd largest of oil

Third largest exporter of steel and aluminum

Defense industries including aircraft, radar, missiles, advanced electronic components, and shipbuilding

Economy - Oil Wealth

Population Highly urban – 73% live in cities

Ranked 147 in the world for Infant Mortality

Life Expectancy is 66 (US is 78)

Low birth rate

Population – Future Problem

Problems: Ethnic violence in areas wanting independence,

primarily in Caucasus region

Violence in 5 of 6 republics, including Chechnya

Environment – Soviet-era decisions resulted in vast pollution from oil, industry, and even nuclear waste

Crime – organized crime is involved in the smuggling of drugs; Russia is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for various purposes such as prostitution and slave labor