Russia

RUSSIA(RUH-shuh)

Russia's official name is Russian Federation and it's capital is Moscow with a population of 8.3 million. It was declared an independent country in August 24 of the year 1991.

Russia's population is 143,782, 338 (July 2004 est.) It's size is 6.5 million sq. mi. or 17 million sq. Km.

Russians practice th following religions: Russian Orthodox, Islamic, Jewish, Roman Catholic, Protestant, Buddhist and other. Their mane language is Russian.

LOCATION

Russia is in Eurasia and it is neighbor of 13 countries: Finland, Norway, Estonia, Latvia, Belarus, Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazaksta, China, Mongolia, South Korea and Lithuania.

GEPGRAPHY

There are broad plains, low hills, vast coniferous forest, uplands and mountains in Russia. There is tundra in Siberia and a northern continental climate that is between subarctic to subtropical.

ECONOMY

Economy grows 7.3% a year. Russia's natural resources are petroleum, natural gas, timber and furs. Agriculture products are grain, sugar beets, sunflower seeds, meat and dairy products. This country exports petroleum and petroleum products, natural gas, woods and wood products, metals, chemicals and military manufacturs.

GOVERNMENT

Russia's president is Vladimir Putin and it's prime minister is Mikhail Fradkov. In the Constitution, declared on December 12, 1993, says that the president can pass decrees without consent from the Duma and may disband the Duma, that he's the head of the armed forces and the security council.