Human Geography of the Russian Core History and

Human Geography of the Russian Core History and Government • Unrest during World War I triggered, or set off, the Russian Revolution of 1917, signaling the demise of Europe’s last absolute monarchy. • The Communist-controlled Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) emerged and engaged in a political and ideological war with the West. • The collapse of the Soviet Union led to the independence of 15 different countries in the region, including Belarus and Ukraine.

Human Geography of the Russian Core Population Patterns • About 80 percent of Russians live west of the Ural Mountains where there is rich soil, waterways, and a milder climate. • After the fall of the Soviet Union, people were free to migrate, and many settled in cities, such as the capital city of Moscow. • The region is facing a population decline, with death rates increasing while birth rates are falling, resulting in a smaller, but older population.

Human Geography of the Russian Core Society and Culture Today • The Soviet government promoted atheism and discriminated against different ethnic groups. • In the late 1980 s the government began to loosen its restrictions on religion and the arts, leading people to rediscover both. • Russian women have a long history of working, first in industry and now in all sectors; financial necessity is increasing their numbers in the workforce, contributing to a lower birth rate.

Human Geography of the Russian Core Economic Activities • With the fall of the Soviet Union, Russia experienced a rocky transition from a command economy to a market economy. • Natural resources account for most of Russia’s exports, such as crude oil, minerals, and lumber. • Although a key trading partner with Russia, Ukraine remains wary of Russia’s former power and is considering joining the European Union. • Belarus remains industrially integrated and closely allied with Russia.