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Assessment 18
New Nation-States from the Old Soviet Union
Assessment 18
New Nation-States from the Old Soviet Union
Russia
Imagine watching from space as your country breaks apart and then ceases to exist. That’s what Soviet astronaut Sergei Krikalev did in 1991. He flew up to the Mir space station as a citizen of the Soviet Union. While he circled the Earth 16 times a day, the Soviet Union collapsed. When he finally set foot on land, he was still a citizen of the largest nation on Earth. But that nation was now Russia.
Rich Resources in a Vast Land Although Russia is not as large as the Soviet Union was, it’s still huge. It has vast forests and large deposits of coal and minerals. Its most important resources are oil and natural gas. Because of its cold climate, however, less than 8 percent of its land is suitable for farming.
During Soviet rule, the government owned and ran this vast country’s farms, factories, and businesses. With the end of Soviet rule, the government sold its factories and businesses. Today, most Russian businesses are privately run but they are not always run well. Some businesses made goods of such poor quality that no one wanted to buy them. As a result, many of them failed.
Still, with all its challenges, Russia’s economy has been growing every year. Oil exports are a big reason for this growth.
The Challenges Facing Russians Today Life is not easy in Russia. The crime rate is high. Alcohol abuse and pollution are also big concerns.
Ethnic fighting has caused problems as well. Russia’s 142 million people come from dozens of ethnic groups. Not all of these groups are pleased to still be a part of Russia. In an area known as Chechnya, opposition to Russian rule has led to rebellion. During the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991, a group of Chechen leaders declared their independence from Russia. In 1994, Russian tanks rolled into Chechnya to crush the movement. More than 100,000 Chechens died in the war. A cease-fire brought an official peace to Chechnya in 1996, but the conflict continues. Battles, bombings, and terrorist attacks have killed thousands on both sides.
Imagine watching from space as your country breaks apart and then ceases to exist. That’s what Soviet astronaut Sergei Krikalev did in 1991. He flew up to the Mir space station as a citizen of the Soviet Union. While he circled the Earth 16 times a day, the Soviet Union collapsed. When he finally set foot on land, he was still a citizen of the largest nation on Earth. But that nation was now Russia.
Rich Resources in a Vast Land Although Russia is not as large as the Soviet Union was, it’s still huge. It has vast forests and large deposits of coal and minerals. Its most important resources are oil and natural gas. Because of its cold climate, however, less than 8 percent of its land is suitable for farming.
During Soviet rule, the government owned and ran this vast country’s farms, factories, and businesses. With the end of Soviet rule, the government sold its factories and businesses. Today, most Russian businesses are privately run but they are not always run well. Some businesses made goods of such poor quality that no one wanted to buy them. As a result, many of them failed.
Still, with all its challenges, Russia’s economy has been growing every year. Oil exports are a big reason for this growth.
The Challenges Facing Russians Today Life is not easy in Russia. The crime rate is high. Alcohol abuse and pollution are also big concerns.
Ethnic fighting has caused problems as well. Russia’s 142 million people come from dozens of ethnic groups. Not all of these groups are pleased to still be a part of Russia. In an area known as Chechnya, opposition to Russian rule has led to rebellion. During the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991, a group of Chechen leaders declared their independence from Russia. In 1994, Russian tanks rolled into Chechnya to crush the movement. More than 100,000 Chechens died in the war. A cease-fire brought an official peace to Chechnya in 1996, but the conflict continues. Battles, bombings, and terrorist attacks have killed thousands on both sides.
Use the text above to complete the following tasks.
1. Underline three advantages that might make Russia a successful country. Then list them below.
2. Underline three disadvantages that make it difficult for Russia to be successful. Then list them below.
1. Underline three advantages that might make Russia a successful country. Then list them below.
2. Underline three disadvantages that make it difficult for Russia to be successful. Then list them below.
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3. Which country has the worst poverty data?
A. Lithuania B. France C. Azerbaijan D. Belarus
4. Which statement is BEST supported by the table?
4. Which statement is BEST supported by the table?
A. Since 2003, the quality of life in Azerbaijan is improving.
B. Since 2003, infant mortality got worse.
C. Since 2003, life expectancy got worse.
D. The life expectancy in Azerbaijan is better than in Belarus.
B. Since 2003, infant mortality got worse.
C. Since 2003, life expectancy got worse.
D. The life expectancy in Azerbaijan is better than in Belarus.
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True or False. Use the graph or table below each statement.
5. Lithuanian citizens have gained freedoms from 1995 to 2007.
A. True B. False
True or False. Use the graph or table below each statement.
5. Lithuanian citizens have gained freedoms from 1995 to 2007.
A. True B. False
6. Since 1999, life expectancy is getting better in Kazakhstan. A. True B. False
7. Azerbaijan has the best crime rate data.
- True B. False
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This table shows data for two nation-states that became independent in 1993.
This table shows data for two nation-states that became independent in 1993.
8. Using evidence from the table, decide which country is most likely to succeed.
Write your answer in complete sentences. 3pts.