Includes bibliographical references and index.; Introduction / Michael L. Bressler -- Russia : a geographic preface / Denis J.B. Shaw -- The historical context / Steven G. Marks -- Politics / Michael L. Bressler -- The economy / James R. Millar -- International relations / Allen C. Lynch -- Ethnicity and identity / Katherine E. Graney -- Population, health, and migration / Timothy Heleniak -- Environmental problems / Philip R. Pryde -- Women in a changing context / Sarah L. Henderson -- Religion / Olga Kazmina -- Literature and film / Adele Barker -- Trends and prospects / Michael L. Bressler.;