Russia
|
|
|
|
Photo:
Sarah Errington/Oxfam GB
|
Russia is the largest country in the world and is so large that
it stretches over two continents. It spans 11 time zones and is
almost twice the size of the USA.
The north of Russia is in the Arctic Circle. Here you can travel
almost half-way around the world and still be in Russia. Further
south there are large areas of plains. Land in the south is called
the steppe. This used to be all grassland but its soil is so fertile
that most of it is now used for farming wheat, barley and maize.
Siberia lies in the east and is rich in natural resources such
as timber, oil, natural gas, and minerals. Not many people live
here because the climate is so bitter. In winter the temperature
can drop to minus 60°C and snow lies from September to May.
Summer is short but very warm (reaching 30°C).
Russia is heavily industrialised and in the past little attempt
was made to control pollution. Today waste from factories has
destroyed people's health and the landscape. Deforestation and
soil erosion also threaten large areas of countryside.
Until 1991, Russia was part of the Soviet Union. The Communist
Party, which formed the government, had great control over people's
lives. Religious activities were not allowed, but many people
kept their faiths. The most common religion is Orthodox Christianity,
but there are also Muslim, Protestant and Jewish minorities.
Although their lives were restricted, Communism brought security
to many people. Child-care, health and education services, housing
and work were all provided. Today Russians have many new freedoms,
but, whilst some people have become very wealthy, poorer people
have found themselves much worse off in many ways.
|
Capital
|
Moscow
|
|
Population
|
148 million
|
|
Area
|
17,075,400 sq km
|
|
Language
|
Russian
|
|
GNP per capita
|
$2,410
|
|
Life expectancy
|
65 years
|
|
People per doctor
|
(not available)
|
|
Literacy
|
99% male, 99% female
|
|
Percentage of population with access to safe water
|
(not available)
|
|
Urban population
|
76.3%
|
Statistics taken from the Human Development Report 2000, published
by the United Nations Development Programme, and the World Guide
1999/2000, published by New Internationalist Publications.
Brazil
|| Ethiopia
|| India ||
United Kingdom
|
Cool Planet for Teachers has moved
