Russia Study Guide

Physical Geography of Russia

1. Vocabulary - Define each of the following terms and give examples (where
possible):
Fossil fuel
Taiga
Softwood
Smog
Infrastructure
Pollutant
Permafrost
2. Where do most Russian live?
3. Which region has the most of Russias natural resources? Are the easy or
difficult to gain access to? Why or why not?
4. Describe the general climate of Russia.
5. What is the largest climate zone in Russia?
6. What are the two biggest climate concerns in Russia? Describe them.
History and Cultures of Russia
7. Vocabulary - Define each of the following terms:
Missionary
Glasnost
Scar
Perestroika
Serf
Coup
Communist state
Oral tradition
Collectivization
Nationalism
Cold War
Autonomy
8. What was the cause of many of the revolutions in Russia? Which
socioeconomic class tended to revolt?
9. Describe the government and economy of Russia under Communist leaders.
10.
What are the feelings toward Russia that many Russian artists express in
their works?
11.
Name and describe the new policies brought about by Mikhail
Gorbachev to the Soviet Union.
Russia Today
12.
Vocabulary Define each of the following terms:
Privatization
Light industry
Middle class
Decree
Underemployment
Oligarch
Pensioner
Deposit insurance
Heavy industry
Separatist movement

13.
Describe the economic shift that Russia made after the fall of
communism.
14.
What are business oligarchs and what affect have they had on the
Russian economy?
15.
What criticisms does the Russian government receive from other
nations?
Writing prompt Be thinking of Mr. Larsens lectures on Russia and the stories he
told. What was life like there? Were there any stories that stuck out to you? (4
sentences minimum)