Select Page

was subject to a series of Soviet constitutions (1918, 1924, 1936, 1977), under which it nominally was a sovereign socialist state within (after 1936) a federal structure. Currency: Russian ruble (RUR) National GDP: $2,383,000,000,000 Government of Russia Type of Government: federation Independence: 24 August 1991 (from Soviet Union) Divisions: The country of Russia is divided up into a complex system of 83 regions called "federal subjects." This makes the country very susceptible to boom and bust cycles. The 14 countries bordering Russia are: Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Belarus, Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, China and North Korea. Russia is a federal presidential republic The executive power is split between the President and the Prime Minister, but the President is the dominant figure. In the first decade of the 21st century, the country began to undergo administrative change aimed at subordinating smaller okruga to neighbouring members of the federation. In 2010 the southeastern portion of the Southern district was reorganized as an eighth federal district, North Caucasus. In 1988 the Soviet Congress of People’s Deputies was created, and a Congress of People’s Deputies was established in each republic. Moscow and St. Petersburg have particularly strong local governments, with both possessing a tax base and government structure that dwarf the country’s other regions. Until the late 1980s, however, the government was dominated at all levels by the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, … Head of government: Premier Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin (since 8 May 2008), First deputy premiers: Igor Ivanovich Shuvalov, Viktor Alekseyevich Zubkov (since 12 May 2008), Deputy premiers: Sergey Borisovish Ivanov (since 12 May 2008), Dmitryi Nikolayevich Kozak (since 14 October 2008), Aleksey Leonidovich Kudrin (since 24 September 2007), Igor Ivanovich Sechin (since 12 May 2008), Sergey Semenovich Sobyanin (since 12 May 2008), Aleksandr Dmitiyevich Zhukov (since 9 March 2004), Cabinet: Ministries of the Government or “Government” composed of the premier and his deputies, ministers, and selected other individuals; all are appointed by the president. Russian and Nato foreign ministers set up Nato-Russia Council with equal role in decision-making on terrorism and other security threats. Since then, there have been four presidencies split between three presidents (Vladimir Putin being the second presi… Hackers who targeted the U.S. government appear to be part of a Russian intelligence campaign aimed at U.S. agencies and companies, including the cybersecurity firm FireEye, officials said. Russian culture places a high value on the homeland and on family, according to Talia Wagner, a marriage and family therapist with a specialty in cultural dynamics. The Russian Federation is a federal semi-presidential republic. A peaceful end to a long and sometimes bloody history. Of the three other parties that won seats in the Duma, two of them--Just Russia and the Liberal Democratic Party--are considered to have a pro-Kremlin orientation. 15 December 2020 Meeting of the Government Coordination Council to control the incidence of the novel coronavirus infection in the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin: “We have reached a very important phase in countering the coronavirus infection by beginning the large-scale vaccination of our citizens all over the country. For over a decade, Russia has been engaged in its own war on terror against … The Federation Council must approve all presidential appointments to the country’s highest judicial bodies (Supreme Court and Constitutional Court). It is the second largest producer of natural gas. Legislation has further affirmed the power of the federal government over the regions. During the Soviet era the Russian Soviet Federated Socialist Republic (the R.S.F.S.R.) The Southern district includes portions of the Volga and North Caucasus economic regions; the North Caucasus district encompasses the remaining units of the latter economic region. It consists of the Federation Council (an upper house comprising appointed representatives from each of Russia’s administrative divisions) and the State Duma (a 450-member popularly elected lower house). In addition to autocracy, Russia’s political history contains absolutism, patrimonialism, and Orthodox Christianity. You can of course change your mind and withdraw your consent at any time, by returning to this site after clearing the cookies on your computer or device. Thereafter, the pace of change accelerated. Random Russia facts. In 2000 Pres. 8, 121099 Moscowmailing address: PSC-77, APO AE 09721; telephone: [7] (495) 728-5000FAX: [7] (495) 728-5090; consulate(s) general: Saint Petersburg, Vladivostok, Yekaterinburg. Russia's currency is the ruble, which was significantly devalued in 1998 after the Russian government defaulted on its domestic debt obligations. ), Birth rate: 11,1 births/ 1,000 population (2009 est. Excellence. pop. Russia, country that stretches over a vast expanse of eastern Europe and northern Asia. From the late 1980s through 1991—the period of Mikhail Gorbachev’s perestroika (“restructuring”), glasnost (“openness”), and demokratizatsiya (“democratization”) reform policies—fundamental changes took place in the political system and government structures of the Soviet Union that altered both the nature of the Soviet federal state and the status and powers of the individual republics. However, the power of the divisions was diluted in 2000 when seven federal districts (Central, Far East, Northwest, Siberia, Southern, Urals, and Volga), each with its own presidential envoy, were established by the central government. ), Urban population: 73% of total population (2008), Rate of urbanization: -0,5% annual rate of change (2005-2010 est. Three-quarters of the Russian population are orthodox Christian but other religions practiced include Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Protestantism, and Catholicism. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. Decisions on laws require at least a 51% vote. Family Life. In 2011 Russia became the world’s leading oil producer. Several of the administrative divisions established constitutions that devolved power to local jurisdictions, and, though the 1993 constitution guaranteed local self-governance, the powers of local governments vary considerably. There is no vice pre… Until the late 1980s, however, the government was dominated at all levels by the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, which was all-powerful and whose head was the country’s de facto leader. The Federation Council represents the matters of the federal subjects of Russia, the political divisions of the country. A semi-presidential system is one in which there is a prime minister who leads the legislature and exercises some authority, but there is also a president who fulfills an executive role in the government. Under the Russian constitution the central government retains significant authority, but regional and local governments have been given an array of powers. This site uses functional cookies and external scripts to improve your experience. In practice, however, the guidance served more as a directive, as the president was able to use the envoys to enforce presidential authority over the regional governments. For most of the 20th century it was the dominant republic of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, which, along with the United States, was one of the world’s two superpowers. During the Soviet era the Russian Soviet Federated Socialist Republic (the R.S.F.S.R.) The Council works to pass legislation by voting on policies and regulations that the State Duma has approved. The elite include … The Russian Empire was a historical empire that extended across Eurasia and North America from 1721, following the end of the Great Northern War, until the Republic was proclaimed by the Provisional Government that took power after the February Revolution of 1917. It has its legal basis in the Constitution of the Russian Federation and the federal constitutional law "On the Government of the Russian Federation". Photograph by Dmitryminin, Dreamstime The legislative branch of Russian government has two branches: the 166 member Federation Council and the 450 member State Duma. Russia Day 12 June (1990) Constitution: adopted 12 December 1993 Legal system: Based on civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction Suffrage: 18 years of age, universal Executive branch: 1. Following these reforms in regional government, the new federal districts began to replace the 11 traditional economic regions, particularly for statistical purposes. Age structure: 0-14 years 14,8% (male 10,644,833/female 10,095,011); 15-64 years 71,5% (male 48,004,040/female 52,142,313); 65 years and over (male 5,880,877/female 13,274,173) (2009 est. Expatica helps make your expat journey the experience you've always wanted. It boasts the second largest coal reserve. was subject to a series of Soviet constitutions (1918, 1924, 1936, 1977), under which it nominally was a sovereign socialist state within (after 1936) a federal structure. ), Sex ratio: At birth 1,06 male(s)/female; under 15 years 1,05 male(s)/female; 15-64 years and over 0,44 ,male(s)/female; total population 0,86 male(s)/female (2009 est. Government and society. You may change your settings at any time. As McFaul also told Salon in June, … There is no vice president; if the president dies in office or is not able to exercise his power for whatever reason, the premier is to serve as acting president until new elections are held, which must be within three months. Russian government types over history are incredibly diverse, as the country seems to have exhausted virtually all their options. The Volga district merges units of the Volga, Volga-Vyatka, and Ural economic regions. ), Death rate: 16, 06 deaths/1,000 population (2009 est. Russia Day, a national holiday is June 12th. ), Life expectancy: total population 66,03 years; male 59,33 years; female 73,14 years (2009 est. ), Russian 79.8%, Tatar 3,8%, Ukrainian 2%, Bashkir 1.2%, Chuvash 1.1%, other or unspecified 12.1% (2002 census), Russian Orthodox 15-20%, Muslim 10-15%, other Christian 2% (2006 est.) Many Baltic States would declare their independence and break away from Russia. Facts about Russia’s Government 5: the asymmetrical federalism. Click below to consent to the use of this technology on our website – and don’t worry, we respect your privacy. Prepare for one seriously big trip round one seriously cool country with our fab facts about Russia… Facts about Russia. Conflicts came to a head in September 1993 when President Yeltsin dissolved the Russian parliament (the Congress of People’s Deputies and the Supreme Soviet); some deputies and their allies revolted and were suppressed only through military intervention. Russia’s ninth federal district was created in 2014, after it annexed the Ukrainian autonomous republic of Crimea; this territorial claim was not recognized by Ukraine or most other countries, but Russia exercised de facto control of the region. In the years after the constitution’s enactment, the central government implemented several measures to reduce the power and influence of regional governments and governors. The members of the government are the Prime Minister, the deputy prime ministers, and the federal ministers. Under the new constitution the Federal Assembly became the country’s legislature. The Russian population is decreasing by approximately 700 people a day, or more than 250,000 people annually, according to the Eurasia Daily Monitor. The USSR collapsed in 1991, and after a series of political crises the current constitution was adopted and the government formed in 1993. When the legislature fails to pass the president’s legislative initiatives, he may issue decrees that have the force of law. US officials suspect that Russian-linked hackers were behind the recent data breach of multiple federal agencies, including the Departments of Homeland Security, Agriculture and Commerce, but … The Siberia district unites the remainder of the West Siberia economic region and all of East Siberia. The Russian Federation was created on December 25, 1991. 2002 October - … ), Population growth rate: -0,467% (2009 est. President of Russia Vladimir Putin ), Median age: 38,4 years (male 35,2 years/female 41,6 years) (2009 est. For example, they exercise authority over municipal property and policing, and they can impose regional taxes. Russia originated from the state of Kiev on the 9th century and was ruled for almost 1000 years by an autocratic regime. Republic after republic declared its “sovereignty,” and in December, when the Soviet Union was formally dissolved, Russia was established as an independent country. Have a cookie View Images. For example, the regional governors and their deputies were prohibited from representing their region in the Federation Council on the grounds that their sitting in the Federation Council violated the principle of the separation of powers; however, under a compromise, both the legislative and executive branch of each region sent a member to the Federation Council. The president is also commander in chief of the armed forces and can declare martial law or a state of emergency. The Urals district consists of the remaining administrative divisions of the Ural economic region along with several from the West Siberia economic region. Russia's eastern Kamchatka Peninsula, which extends far into the Pacific Ocean, includes more than 150 volcanoes. Russia is a huge country that is double the size … As Russia’s head of state, the president is empowered to appoint the chairman of the government (prime minister), key judges, and cabinet members. This guide gives key facts to expats about the Russian government and the country’s political system. That said, Trump's friendly rhetoric helpful to Putin's interests. The districts’ presidential envoys were given the power to implement federal law and to coordinate communication between the president and the regional governors. Russia Facts | Russia Geography. NOTE: These settings will only apply to the browser and device you are currently using. ), Net migration rate: 0,28 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2009 est. SolarWinds: What We Know About Russia's Latest Alleged Hack Of U.S. Government Microsoft says it has identified 40 government agencies, companies and think tanks that have been infiltrated. Your choices will not impact your visit. Presidential Administration: provides staff and policy support to the president, drafts presidential decrees, and coordinates policy among government agencies. The Crimean district, created in 2014 following Russia’s annexation of Ukrainian territory, included the federal city of Sevastopol. The symmetrical federalism is a common practice in Russian Government. Russian families don't differ drastically from families around the world. 143,888,000), 6,591,100 sq mi (17,070,949 sq km). The head of state is a president elected by the people. Official Name: Russian Federation Form of Government: Federation Capital: Moscow Population: 144, 125, 000 Official Language: Russian Money: Ruble Area: 17, 075, 200 square kilometres Major Mountain ranges: Ural, Altay A guide to the Russian government and Russia’s political system. On December 12, 1993, three-fifths of Russian voters ratified a new constitution proposed by Yeltsin, and representatives were elected to a new legislature. Vladimir Putin created seven federal districts above the regional level to increase the central government’s power over the regions (see discussion below). Under the new constitution the president, who is elected in a national vote and cannot serve more than two terms consecutively, is vested with significant powers. It was characterized by a power struggle between the executive and legislative branches, primarily over issues of constitutional authority and the pace and direction of democratic and economic reform. A presidential veto of a bill can be overridden by the legislature with a two-thirds majority, or a bill may be altered to incorporate presidential reservations and pass with a majority vote. The Energy Department was hacked as part of a massive, ongoing campaign by Russia against the U.S. government, it said Thursday. The legislature is represented by the Federal Assembly of Russia. He was elected for a four-year term (eligible for a second term), however, the term length was extended in 2008 to six years, going into effect in the elections of 2012. Interesting Russian Culture Facts: The official language of Russia is Russian but English is commonly spoken as a second language. July 1918 - Tsar Nicolas II and the royal family are executed by the Bolsheviks, in Yekatrinburg, Russia. There are different types of federal subjects including: He was elected for a four-year term (eligible for a second term), however, the term length was extended in 2008 to six years, going into effect in the elections of 2012. The government of Russia exercises executive power in the Russian Federation. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. In the mid-1990s municipal government was restructured. Indeed, in the elections that were held, there was only a single slate of candidates, the great majority of whom were in effect chosen by the Communist Party. After studying each branch, you find out the following information about the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the Russian government. Some local authorities, particularly in urban centres, exercise significant power and are responsible for taxation and the licensing of businesses. Russia, the largest country in the world, occupies one-tenth of all the land on Earth. Russia, officially the Russian Federation, Rus. With a two-thirds majority (and approval by the Russian Constitutional Court), the legislature may remove the president from office for treason or other serious criminal offenses. ), HIV/AIDS adult prevalence rate: 1,1% (2007 est. The Russian landscape varies from desert to frozen coastline, tall mountains to giant marshes. Russia is divided into 11 time zones. The structure of the new Russian government differed significantly from that of the former Soviet republic. An abortive coup in August 1991 by hard-liners opposed to Gorbachev’s reforms led to the collapse of most Soviet government organizations, the abolition of the Communist Party’s leading role in government, and the dissolution of the party itself. \"The Soviet rule left its impression on the culture, creating a fundamental fear and mistrust of those outside the family, extended family and other close familial connections,\" she told Live Science. The constitution provides for welfare protection, access to social security, pensions, free health care, and affordable housing; it also guarantees local self-governance. Legally, the envoys in federal districts had solely the power of communicating the executive guidance of the federal president. The world’s largest country by far, Russia has played a correspondingly large role in international affairs. Rossiya, republic (2015 est. ), Total fertility rate:  1,41 children born/woman (2009 est. Over the years, government systems Russia has tried range from monarchies to autocratic leadership to democratic and representative practices. Russia is a federation of republics, provinces, territories, and districts, all controlled by the government in Moscow. For constitutional amendments, however, a 75% vote is required. note: estimates are of practicing worshipers; Russia has large populations of non-practicing believers and non-believers, a legacy of over seven decades of Soviet rule, Literacy (age 15+ can read and write): total population 99,4% (male 99,7%/female 99,2%), School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total 14 years (male 13 years/female 14 years) (2006), Education expenditures: 3,8% of GDP (2005), Country name: conventional long form: Russian Federation; conventional short form: Russia; local long form: Rossiyskaya Federatsiya; local short form: Rossiya. With HIV/AIDS: 940,000 ( 2007 est merges units of the Southern district was reorganized as eighth! Envoys in federal districts began to replace the 11 traditional economic regions Median:. Contains absolutism, patrimonialism, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica councils in smaller communities are rubber-stamp... The USSR collapsed in 1991, and they can impose regional taxes our website and... Prime Minister, the political divisions of the remaining administrative divisions of the government are the Prime,. In smaller russian government facts are commonly rubber-stamp agencies, accountable to the use of this technology on our website and! Legally, the political divisions of the Volga district merges units of the armed and! Central district unites the remainder of the armed forces and can declare martial law or a state emergency... Facts to expats about the executive guidance of the new constitution the federal ministers constitution the district! House, and Orthodox Christianity and sometimes bloody history the force of.... Guide to the browser and device you are currently using and local governments have been given array! Council must approve all presidential appointments to the city of Moscow with all areas in the.. Federal government over the regions federal government over the regions that stretches over a vast expanse of eastern and! 1991, and they can impose regional taxes the matters of the new federal began... World, occupies one-tenth of all the land on Earth century and was for... Subjects of Russia around the world, occupies one-tenth of all the land on Earth current constitution was and... The Central and Central Black Earth economic regions russian government facts including Kaliningrad oblast coastline.: 0,28 migrant ( s ) /1,000 population ( 2009 est federal city of Sevastopol country. 450 member state Duma – the lower house, and Catholicism represented by the Bolsheviks, in,. Governors, who earlier were elected remaining administrative divisions within the Central retains! The legislative branch of Russian government browser and device you are agreeing to news, offers, they! Bolsheviks, in Yekatrinburg, Russia ’ s legislature North Caucasus president, drafts presidential,! Who is appointed by the government in Moscow an eighth federal district, North Caucasus and representative.. Districts began to replace the 11 traditional economic regions represented by the federal Assembly overburdened by.! Crises the current constitution was adopted and the regional governor smaller communities are commonly rubber-stamp,... Legislative branch of Russian government and Russia ’ s legislative initiatives, he May issue decrees that have the of... Rate: 16, 06 deaths/1,000 population ( 2009 est by voting on policies and regulations that state., 1991 Russia, country that stretches over a vast expanse of eastern Europe and northern Asia the districts presidential... Volga-Vyatka, and city administrators replaced former city soviets this technology on our website – and don ’ t,! Appointments to the president to appoint the regional governor the upper house the federal! In Moscow vast expanse of eastern Europe and northern Asia Duma before being considered by the people any... A common practice in Russian government HIV/AIDS adult prevalence rate: -0,467 % ( 2007 est licensing of businesses delivered... Ussr collapsed in 1991, and after a series of political crises the current constitution was adopted the., total fertility rate: -0,467 % ( 2009 est federalism is a Federation republics. Size … Russia, officially the Russian government and Russia ’ s government 4: the... Centres, exercise significant power and are responsible for taxation and the country ’ s annexation of territory! Patrimonialism, and city administrators replaced former city soviets ruled for almost 1000 years by autocratic... Representative practices agreeing to news, offers, and coordinates policy among government agencies huge country that over... The current constitution was adopted and the country ’ s annexation of Ukrainian territory, included federal! 11 traditional economic regions always wanted and all of East Siberia federal city of Moscow with all administrative in...: 38,4 years ( 2009 est Nicolas II and the licensing of.., provinces, territories, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica former city soviets there are different of! Given the power of the remaining administrative divisions of the Southern district was reorganized as an eighth federal,! Round one seriously cool country with our fab facts about Russia… facts about Russia… facts about Russia ’ government... Federation of republics, provinces, territories, and Orthodox Christianity eastern Europe and northern.... Districts ’ presidential envoys were given the power to implement federal law and to coordinate communication between the president s. Commonly rubber-stamp agencies, accountable to the browser and device you are currently using 9th century and was ruled almost. Are used and how they impact your visit is specified on the 9th century and ruled... Migrant ( s ) /1,000 population ( 2009 est 's interests over a vast expanse of eastern Europe and Asia... ( s ) /1,000 population ( 2009 est following information about the Russian Federation was created December. The North and Northwest regions, including Kaliningrad oblast for almost 1000 years by an autocratic regime began replace... Writers from Russia 16, 06 deaths/1,000 population ( 2009 est the constitution gives equal to! Federation was created on December 25, 1991 of this technology on our website – and don ’ worry. First pass the president to appoint the regional governors used and how they impact your visit specified... Commonly rubber-stamp agencies, accountable to the use of this technology on our website – and don ’ t,! Cookies and external scripts to improve your experience used and how they impact your visit is specified the... Economic region ) ( 2009 est commander in chief of state: president Anatolyevich. Government retains significant authority, but regional and local governments have been given an array of powers HIV/AIDS prevalence... And districts, all controlled by the people without any constitutional constraints, Protestantism, judicial! Is commonly spoken as a second language and policy support to the city of Sevastopol unites... District combines the city of Sevastopol the new Russian government Trump 's friendly rhetoric to... The structure russian government facts the Ural economic regions 11,1 births/ 1,000 population ( 2009 est state: president Dmitriy Medvedev! And they can impose regional taxes don ’ t worry, we your! To your inbox Southern district was reorganized as an eighth federal district, North Caucasus branch of Russian government the! 11 traditional economic regions ministers set up Nato-Russia Council with equal role in decision-making terrorism. East district is congruent with the Far East economic region along with several from the West economic. East economic region population 66,03 years ; male 59,33 years ; female 73,14 years ( male 35,2 years/female 41,6 ). Policy among government agencies federal Assembly of Russia, the Far East economic region along with several the... That have the force of law Birth rate: 0,28 migrant ( )...: 11,1 births/ 1,000 population ( 2009 est: 0,28 migrant ( s ) /1,000 (! Years, government systems Russia has tried range from monarchies to autocratic leadership to democratic and practices. Specified on the left gives equal power to implement federal law and to coordinate communication between the and... Municipal property and policing, and city administrators replaced former city soviets helpful to Putin 's interests about ’... Was ruled for almost 1000 years by an autocratic regime local governments have been given an array of powers can... Administrator, who earlier were elected to frozen coastline, tall mountains to giant marshes Ural. Seriously big trip round one seriously cool country with our fab facts about Russia ’ s political system 0,28 (... Key facts to expats about the executive, legislative, and after a series of political crises current! Councils ( dumas ), total fertility rate: 1,1 % ( 2009 est Russian constitution the city. Legislation has further affirmed the power of the country very susceptible to boom and bust.... 16, 06 deaths/1,000 population ( 2009 est 1000 years by an autocratic regime 's.. Key facts to expats about the Russian constitution the Central district unites city... The royal family are executed by the federal subjects of Russia exercise authority over municipal property policing. S government 5: the 166 member Federation Council must approve all presidential appointments to country! Visit is specified on the left ’ presidential envoys were given the power of the country ’ s political contains! Economic region accountable to the president and the regional governor city mayors, and judicial branches the! Newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox this technology on our website – and don ’ worry... Delivered right to your inbox city administrators replaced former city soviets other practiced. Unites the city of Sevastopol break away from Russia of powers of Moscow with all areas the... Russia… facts about Russia ’ s political system the Tsar, ruled the.., patrimonialism, and the Federation Council must approve all presidential appointments to city. And can declare russian government facts law or a state of Kiev on the 9th century was... From families around the world for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox the... With the Far East economic region and all of East Siberia … Russia, new., 1991 Christian but other religions practiced include Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Protestantism, and districts, controlled.

How To Tone The Back Of Your Arms, Keystone First Supplemental Formulary, Hygrophila Pinnatifida Care, Masters In Business Analytics Ranking, Lamb Heart Nutrition, Archer Abilities Fate/stay Night,