1. Russia and the Republics
Most of Russian cities have a vibrant social life that can be compared in spirit to that of New York.
In St. Petersburg alone there are:
2,000 libraries,
221 museums
80 theaters
100 concert halls,
45 art galleries
62 movie theaters
80 nightclubs.

2. Russia – Regions and Countries
European Republics
Ukraine
Estonia
Latvia
Lithuania
Moldova
Belarus
Caucasus Republics
Georgia
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Central Asian Republics
Kazakhstan
Kyrgyzstan
Turkmenistan
Uzbekistan
Tajikistan
Russia – Regions and Countries

3. Historical Overview of Russia and the Republics
Ancient Russia
Slavic tribes conquered by Vikings called the “Rus”.
The Mongol Era (1270’s – 1500’s)
Golden Horde invaded Russia, ruled for two centuries.
Russian Empire (1500’s – 1918)
Russia ruled by the Czars (monarch), until Romanov family killed in 1918
Soviet Union ( )
Post WWI - Communist government ruled the entire region as one country.
Commonwealth of Independent States (1992-Present)
Loose alliance of Russia and the various Republics.

5. Rise and Fall of Soviet Union
1917 Russian Revolution
Lenin (Communist Party) takes over Government and Economy
1922 USSR is formed.
Capital moved to Moscow
’s Cold War
USA vs. USSR
Sputnik 1957
Yuri Gagarin – First human in space
Berlin Wall - a barrier that divided Berlin from 1961 to 1989.
Cuban Missile Crisis 1962
1991 USSR falls apart

6. Population Trends of Russia and the Republics
Aging, shrinking populations.
Central Asian republics have fewer people but higher birthrates, increasing their small populations.

7. Governments of Russia and the Republics
Governments have tried to modernize and remove Communist influences.
Ukraine is largest and most successful republic outside Russia.
Vladimir Putin rules Russia through influence and official powers.
Central Asian republics dominated by ex-Communists or dictators… same president since 1990.

8. Government “Philosophy” Comparison
Democratic (USA)
Communism (Soviet Union)
People should be free to earn as much money as they are able.
Property should be owned by individuals and companies.
Voters should be able to choose anyone of any party.
The press should be free to criticize the government.
Rich people should be forced to share their wealth with those less fortunate.
Property should be owned by the state on behalf of all the people.
Voters should only be allowed to choose between communist candidates.
The press should never criticize a communist government.

9. Command Economy Karl Marx – German philosopher
Command economy – central government makes all important economic decisions.
what products factories manufacture
what crops to grow
sets prices.
Collective farms – large teams of laborers were gathered to work together.

10. Economy of Russia and the Republics
Russia and republics have ample natural resources, but struggling economies.
Economies dominated by “oligarchs”, often tied to organized crime.
Government corruption and old infrastructure hinder development.
Economies rely on export of natural resources.
Russia has advanced sciences, but lags in engineering.

11. Cultural Geography of Russia and the Republics
Most speak Russian or related Slavic languages.
Most practice Orthodox Christianity.
90% + of Central Asians practice Sunni Islam, but many other religions are present in small numbers.
Architecture
Music
Tchaikovsky
The Nutcracker
Swan Lake
Sports
Ice Hockey
“Miracle”
Basketball
Tennis
Maria Sharapova
Anna Kournikova

12. Current Issues & Events
Demographic Changes: Low birthrates among Russians and high birthrates among Muslim populations are changing several nations.
Separatism and Ethnic Conflict: Ethnic groups in Chechnya and other places are fighting to have their own countries.
Russia’s Place in the World: The Soviet Union was a superpower, but Russia is much weaker. They want to be on top again.