In 1991 Russia became an independent country when it broke away from the U.S.S.R.

Russia's population in 2001 was about 145,470,200 making it the sixth most populated in the world the top five are China, India, United States, Indonesia, Brazil.

Russia's borders measure more than 12,500 miles.

Russia by area is the largest country in the world with 6,592,800 square miles.

Only 8% of Russia's land is used for agriculture.

Russia has the largest coast line in the world measuring about 23,400 miles long.

Russia has the biggest reserves of mineral resources of any country in the world.

Russia might hold as much as one-half of the world's coal reserves and might have larger reserves of petroleum than any other nation.

Chess is a popular game in Russia.

Soccer is a popular sport in Russia.   

Russians eat a lot of sour cream with their meals.

Tea, coffee, and seltzer are favorite beverages in Russia.

The basic unit of currency  is rubble consisting of 100 kopeks.

Turkey and Cyprus are the most popular vacation spots for middle class Russians

Trains are the most popular mode of transportation in Russia.

Most of Russia has a harsh climate with long winters and short cool summers.

Russia is one of the five leading countries that mine gold, silver, and diamonds.

Ninety-nine percent of the people in Russia over the age of 15 can read and write.         

Moscow is the biggest city in Russia

Russia is also one of five leading countries that mine lead, copper, and uranium.