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| Russia |
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Population: 140,702,096 (July 2008 est.)
Official Languages: Russian, many minority languages
Major Religions: Russian Orthodox 15-20%, Muslim 10-15%, other Christian 2% (2006 est.)*est. is of practicing worshippers
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Literacy:
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growing middle class and declining poverty levels
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high oil prices cut national debt
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reforms being made in tax, labour, banking, and land code areas
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imbalanced revenue sources
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banking system doesn’t meet country’s need
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political corruption, instability, and uncertainty has dampened investors interest
Some Statistics:
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Labour Force by Occupation:
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Unemployment Rate: 6.6% (2006 est.)
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Pop. Below Poverty Line: 17.8% (2004 est.)
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Geography:
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Climate: European Russia: humid continental, subarctic in Siberia, tundra in polar north
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Terrain: broad plain with low hills west of Urals, coniferous forest and tundra in Siberia, uplands and mountains along southern border regions
Top Products:
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Agriculture: grain, sugar beets, sunflower seeds, vegetables, fruits, etc.
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Industry: mining, processing, defense, metals, manufacturing, etc.
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Christian Perspective
There is religious freedom in Russia, though any non-Orthodox faith faces many restrictions. The fallout from communism has left the people disillusioned. Those in the middle class are looking for an alternate source of security. Fighting materialism and reaching the Muslim people are two major challenges |
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Praise Points:
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The collapse of Communism with little bloodshed
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The Bible is freely available, Christianity is increasing, and many unreached people groups are hearing the Gospel
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Radio stations once used for Communist purposes are now tools God is using to spread His Word |
Prayer Points:
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Materialism, occultism, secularism, drugs, and alcoholism are prevalent in society
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There are claimed massive followings of Hare Krishna, Vissarion, Mormons, JWs, and Moonies. Satanists, shamanists, parapsychologists, etc. have also increased in popularity. There are also many unreached people groups. | |
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