Introduction

The Russian Federation is one of the largest countries in the world, covering an area of 17.1 million km2 (1/3 of Eurasia), with the world's largest reserves of natural resources (45 per cent of the world's total natural gas, 13 per cent of oil, 23 per cent of coal, 22 per cent of forests, 37 per cent of lake water, etc.). However, Russia's climate and soil are mostly not favourable for agriculture and industrial activities, with only 13 per cent of the surface suitable for farming, while the population is concentrated in several regions leaving large areas almost unpopulated.

Russian history has also been rather turbulent. After the October Revolution in 1917, the centuries-old tsarist regime was brought to an end. The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), comprising 15 such republics, lasted up to 1991. The Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic dominated the USSR for its entire 74-year history, the USSR often being referred to as ‘Russia’ and its people as ‘Russians’. Russia was the largest republic of the USSR and contributed over half of its population. After the breakup of the USSR in 1991, social and economic reforms were launched. The Soviet ideology, economy and administration underwent a transition towards democratic principles and a free market system.

Russia as the successor of the USSR is also known for its contribution to the world's science and technology (S&T).