Russia and the Eurasian Republics

1
Russia and the Eurasian Republics
2
Physical Geography
3
The Land

• The land occupied by Russia and the Eurasian
  republics spans two continents Europe and Asia
• Plains areas cover the greatest part of Russia
  and the Eurasian republics

4
The Land

• Numerous mountain ranges, uplands, plateaus, and
  inland bodies of water are scattered throughout
  Russia and the Eurasian republics
• All of the republics except Russia, Georgia, and
  the Ukraine are landlocked

5
The Land

• Most of the rivers of the region flow northward
  and are frozen for much of the year
• Minerals, energy resources, fertile soils,
  forests, wildlife, and fish are abundant in
  Russia and the Eurasian republics

6
The Climate and Vegetation

• Because of their northern location, distance from
  large bodies of water, and lack of mountains near
  lowland areas, most areas of Russia and the
  Eurasian republics have a humid continental or
  subarctic climate
• Throughout the region summers are short, and
  winters are very long and very cold

7
The Climate and Vegetation

• More than half the land is covered with snow for
  much of the year. Permafrost is found beneath
  about 40 of the area
• Natural vegetation varies, ranging from treeless
  tundra in the north to densely wooded taiga in
  the center to barren desert in the south

8
Cultural Geography
9
Population Patterns

• Both Russia and each of the Eurasian republics
  has its own official language
• Three major ethnic groups Slavs, Turkic
  peoples, and Caucasian peoples live in Russia
  and the Eurasian republics
• Population is not evenly distributed across
  Russia and the Eurasian republics

10
Population Patterns

• In the past most of the people of Russia and the
  Eurasian republics lived in the countryside
  today they live in the city

11
History and Government

• The first Slavic state in the region grew out of
  the settlements of the Slavs and the Varangians
• Under the czars, Russia became one of the largest
  empires in the world

12
History and Government

• In the early 1900s the Russian Empire became a
  new nation called the Union of Soviet Socialist
  Republics (USSR) which for more than 70 years was
  under Communist rule
• All of the former republics of the USSR are now
  independent states

13
Cultures and Lifestyle

• The three major religions of Christianity, Islam,
  and Judaism, as well as a number of other faiths,
  are now practiced openly in Russia and the
  Eurasian republics

14
Cultures and Lifestyle

• The people of Russian and the Eurasian republics
  have strong cultural traditions and are devoted
  to the arts. They have diverse lifestyles and
  enjoy a variety of different celebrations

15
Russia and the Eurasian Republics Today
16
Living in Russia and the Eurasians Republics

• For many decades, Russia and the Eurasian
  republics constituted a single economy controlled
  by the Soviet government
• Upon becoming independent, each republic took
  charge of its own economy and is trying to move
  toward a market economy

17
Living in Russia and the Eurasians Republics

• Russia and the other republics all are taking
  steps to privatize agriculture and industry
• Independence brought greater freedom of
  expression to the communications systems and most
  forms of media

18
Living in Russia and the Eurasians Republics

• Although waterways, roads, and railways remain
  vital methods of transportation for freight and
  passengers, airlines and pipelines are growing in
  importance
• Because they were parts of the Soviet system for
  so long, Russia and the Eurasian republics today
  are not totally independent of one another

19
People and Their Environment

• In their push to industrialize, the Soviets
  neglected and abused the environment
• Committed to nuclear power as an economical
  source of electric power, the Soviets built
  numerous nuclear power stations in various parts
  of the nation

20
People and Their Environment

• The Chernobyl disaster led to doubts and protests
  about nuclear energy and weapons
• Pollution caused by heavy industry and the use of
  pesticides presents a major problem for Russia
  and the Eurasian republics