The Russian Soviet Federated Socialist Republic dominated the Soviet Union for its entire 74-year history.

In the political system established by the 1993 constitution, the president wields considerable executive power. There is no vice president, and the legislative branch is far weaker than the executive. The bicameral legislature consists of the lower house (State Duma) and the upper house (the Federation Council). The president nominates the highest state officials, including the prime minister, who must be approved by the Duma. The president can pass decrees without consent from the Duma. He also is head of the armed forces and of the Security Council.

The Ukrainian Green Army and the anarchist Black Army, also played a minor role in the Russian Civil War. The war started shortly after the October phase of the Russian Revolution of 1917.

Roughly 10% of the country is tundra, which can basically be defined as treeless, marshy plains.

Russia has also improved its international financial position since the 1998 financial crisis.

The demise of the Kievan Rus state began with the death of Prince Iaroslav, as he divided the state amongst his sons, who often fought amongst each other and created alliances with outside parties.

It was around 1928 that many heavy weapon factories were built.

According to preliminary figures, the 2006 budget surplus was 7.4% of GDP on a cash basis. Although there are strong pressures to relax spending ahead of elections, the government has loosened its spending gradually, as the economy is running at near capacity and there are dangers of increasing inflation and rapid exchange rate appreciation. Spending increases to date have mostly been for increased salaries of government employees and pensions, but some money is also being dedicated to special investment funds and tax breaks to develop new industries in special economic zones. The government overhauled its tax system for both corporations and individuals in 2000-01, introducing a 13% flat tax for individuals and a unified tax for corporations, which improved overall collection.