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Russia and the Eurasian Republics

Russia and the Eurasian Republics. Physical Geography. 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. The Land.

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Russia and the Eurasian Republics

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  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

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