NORTHERN EURASIA

RussiaCapital: MoscowPresident: Vladimir PutinPrime Minister: Dmitry MedvedevCurrency: Russian RublePopulation: 143.5 Million as of 2013

Belarus

Capital: MinskPresident: Alexander LukashenkoPrime Minister: Mikhail MyasnikovichCurrency: Belarusian rublePopulation: 9.466 million (2013)

UkraineCapital: KievPresident: Petro PoroshenkoPrime Minister: Arseniy YatsenyukCurrency: Ukrainian hryvniaPopulation: 45.49 million (2013)

ArmeniaCapital: YerevanPresident: Serzh SargsyanPrime Minister: Hovik AbrahamyanCurrency: Armenian dramPopulation: 2.977 million (2013)

GeorgiaCapital: TbilisiPresident: Giorgi MargvelashviliPrime Minister: Irakli GaribashviliCurrency: Georgian LariPopulation: 4.477 Million (2013)

AzerbaijanCapital: BakuPresident: Illham AliyevPrime Minister: Artur RasizadeCurrency: Azerbaijani mantaPopulation: 9.417 million (2013)

Climatevery dry, and cold wintersurprisingly warm summereven though they are near the arctic ocean, it is frozen most of the year. So there

almost no moistureduring the summer they have what they call “White Nights”During the winter, they have dark days where the sun does not appear above the

horizon

landscape

Water Supply

agriculture According to the CIA World factbook, only 7.11% is arable landAccordint to Douglas L. Johnson (Textbook) 58% in the Ukraine is arable land, it also has the longest growing

season of 7 months

Russian culture A "second America"

Russia’s Cultural diversity

There are over 150 different ethnic groups in the Russian Republic. Due to its violent and forceful history of annexing other countries.● 82 percent Russian. ● The dominant minority group is Tatars at 4 percent ● Ukrainian 3% ● Chuvash 1%, Belarusian 1%, Moldavian 1%,and Bashkir 1%,

Russia’s Languages

There are over 100 different languages spoken throughout Russia. Each ethnic make-up having its language prominent in its own respective regions.According to BBC news:● Russian 81%● Tartar 4%● Ukrainian, Chuvash, Bashir, Mordvin, Circassian and Chechen

each make up about 1%.

Religion

Russia has a dominant religion which it inherited from eastern Europe. According to BBC news:● Orthodox Christian 75%● Islamic 5%● Judaism,Buddhism,Catholi

cism, Protestantism make up 1 percent of the population each.

I

Today Russia respects/tolerates all traditional religions with the exception of relatively “new religions” such as mormonism.

Russian Arts

Russia was exposed to many arts from the west under the rule of Peter “the great”. Particularly Ballet which he initially regarded as a form of ideals to be internalized and emulated. ● Ballet- The classical ballet company “Bolshoi Ballet” was world renowned. In fact

their European counterparts began to incorporate Russian style ballet into their performances.

● Classical music- Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky ,the widely respected composer, altruistically blessed the world with timeless classics such as “swan lake” and “1812 overture”.

Russian Sustenance

Food -* Soups have become an important staple in Russian diet.● Borshch: is a beet soup comprised of many vegetables, a variety of meat and

topped of with sour cream. ● Caviar: made from the eggs of the sturgeon fish served on bread aka Blini.

Drinks ● Vodka: a popular alcoholic beverage made of fermented potatoes.● Tea: By far is the most consumed drink in Russia. Usually the main beverage

placed at the center of a gathering. Originally introduced by China began a sensation, largely because it is warm.

*In 1922 the largest teapot was made in Tulsa, Russia. It could hold an astonishing 250 Liters!

HolidaysRussians for the most part celebrate most western holidays with the execption of

“Russian Day”.● Christmas - is celebrated on january 7th in accordance to the Orthodox Christian

calendar.Businesses and state offices close. They celebrate it by a large feast, gatherings, attending morning liturgy ,and presents delivered by Ded Moroz (the russian santa).

● * New years Eve - Russians most popular holiday. So popular in fact, that its celebrated for a week. During this week ,from dec 30 to Jan 8th, no one works or does much but congregate. On New Years Eve Russians celebrate by drinking wine, exchanging an embrace and fireworks.

Gender Societal rolesAccording to our text:-The general population has been acculturated to the “traditional roles” of being a

“real man or rela women”● Men - typically work long hours away from home trying to provide for their

families.● Women - are to be beautiful, sexy homemakers ready to receive their husband

after a tiring day.*Over 40% of all marriages end in divorce and ⅓ of infants are born to unwed mothers.

These roles are against natural evolution and disallow long lasting matrimony.

Post U.S.S.R CultureSince the disintegration of the U.S.S.R the ability to vote, and free to voice their

concerns. With light there came dark. Since then many young Russian women have fled the country due to factors such as poor prenatal care and the unpromising economy.

Prostitution - many other young women up to half a million have been coerced of lured into prostitution in other foreign countries. Prostitution has become a booming industry. Many are lured by legitimate exotic locations, only to be trapped as sexual slaves.

Its got to the point where Russian officials are working out a bill in which prostitution will be legalized under the grounds that it will regulated and government benefits from taxation.

POLITICAL CRISIS IN UKRAINE

Russia’s Invasion in Ukraine: Take a lesson from Putin’s previous escalation in Georgia

Russian troops roll into Gorgi in Georgia in 2008 – Russia’s invasion of Ukraine parallel’s the Georgia invasion. Putin claims in both cases that the troops are meant to protect Russian citizens. These troops were preceded by “internal insurgents” which is the current situation in the Ukraine.

Insurgents supported with Russian training, weapons, resources, troops masquerading as insurgents take control in “separatist areas”

Putin claims the need to protect Russian citizens to justify aggression

European Humanities University Remains Exiled from Belarus over Academic Mission

founding rector of the European Humanities University, Anatoli Mikhailov

The University originally sought exile in Lithuania nine years ago in a dispute over academic freedom of the institution with the Belarus Pro-Russian regime under President Aleksandr G. Lukashenko. Tensions remain and academics argue that, considering Russia’s continued aggression in the region, the university’s mission of developing a democratic Belarus is as essential as ever.

“European Parliament’s resolution and the statement addressed to Azerbaijan by Obama, who was misinformed, are biased and should be regarded as an attempt to put pressure on the independent policy of our state“

Head of Political and Public Affairs Department at the Azerbaijani Presidential Administration Ali Hasanov

Azerbaijan Claims EU And Western Pressure is Not Justified – Armenian Aggression is Decried

Elmar Mammadyarov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan claims assertions by the President of Armenia are meant to mislead the international community into accepting aggression by Armenia stating, “…the time is ripe to bring to justice those in Armenia who perpetuated acts of aggression against Azerbaijan and crimes against humanity, and impose sanctions on them.”

Sanctions in Russia Seek to Stem Aggression

Unless Putin pulls troops out of East Ukraine, the EU will ban all investment in Russian oil industry. Additional sanctions are in the works.

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