Author(s): Galya Ransome

Social studies

Russia has faced challenging years since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. There is evidence of greater prosperity and new freedoms for some. Russia also has vast natural resources and a highly educated and inventive population. But crime is increasing, prices are rising and some Russians long for the stability and certainty of the Soviet era. Meet the people of Russia and learn about the diversity of their lives, from a journalist in Moscow to a tour operator in St. Petersburg. Includes maps and graphic panels showing statistics and fact boxes about size, flag, population, religion, currency and language.