GEO: Russia Review

What is the largest country in both Europe & Asia?

• China

• Russia

• United Kingdom

• Siberia

What is the capital of Russia?

• St. Petersburg

• Kiev

• Moscow

• Vladivostok

What economic system is Russia transitioning to?

Hint: under the USSR (Soviet Union), they had a command economy

• Free Market

• Communistic

• Command

• Democratic

Answer explanation

Under the communistic government of the USSR (Soviet Union), the government controlled every aspect of the economy, which is a command economic system. As they transition from communism, they now have a free market economic system, where the government has little control over the economy.

What is the dominant religion in Russia?

• Catholic (branch of christianity)

• Protestant (branch of christianity)

• Orthodox (branch of christianity)

• Islam (followed by Muslims)

Answer explanation

Although there are many Muslims who practice Islam throughout Russia and Central Asia, the most practiced religion in Russia is Orthodox. Don't forget this branch of Christianity includes the use of icons (images of prominent people in the church, like Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and Saints).

What is the rich, fertile soil found in Russia/Central Asia called?

• Steppes

• Chernobyl

• Tundra

• Chernozem

Why is the Aral Sea shrinking?

• Agriculture (over-irrigation)

• Air pollution

• Radiation pollution

• the Trans-Siberian Railroad

Answer explanation

Remember the Aral Sea is shrinking due to over-irrigation for farming (agriculture) of cotton. The Trans-Siberian Railroad does not affect the Aral Sea. Radiation pollution is concentrated around the site of Chernobyl. Although Russia experiences water and air pollution, this is not the main cause of the shrinking of the Aral Sea.

Which order borders Russia to the north?

• Indian Ocean

• Pacific Ocean

• Arctic Ocean

• There is no ocean

What is the large eastern interior of Russia whose name means “the sleeping land”?

• Siberia

• Steppes

• Tundra

• the Stans

What are the vast grasslands of Russia/Central Asia called?

• Siberia

• Taiga

• Steppes

• Tundra

Why is Russia experiencing so many environmental problems?

• Too many of Russia's rainforests are being destroyed by deforestation

• Russia's environmental problems are not man made and were bound to happen

• The accessibility of many of Russia's natural resources made it profitable for industrial waste

• The Soviet Union did not place emphasis on environmental controls

Answer explanation

Russia does not have rainforests. Russia's natural resources are not easily accessible. Many of Russia's environmental issues were man made and were preventable. So Russia's current environmental problems are mainly due to the former Soviet Union's low prioritization of environmental protection form 1917-1991.