RUSSIA

RUSSIA

Founded in the 12th century, emerge from over 200 years of Mongol domination and to gradually conquer and absorb surrounding principalities. In the early 17th century, continued this policy of expansion across Siberia to the Pacific. Russia has shifted its post-Soviet democratic ambitions in favor of a centralized semi-authoritarian state in which the leadership seeks to legitimize its rule through managed national elections. Russia has severely disabled a Chechen rebel movement, although violence still occurs throughout the North Caucasus. GDP: 4.3% GDP (per capita):$17,000 UNEMPLOYMENT RATE: 6.6% POPULATION: 142,517,670 RELIGION: Russian Orthodox 15-20%  Muslim 10-15% other Christian 2% PRESIDENT: Vladimir Putin PRIME MINISTER: Dmitry Medvedev