Russia: general information about country, happiness index 2024

World Happiness Report for Russia 2024

  • Overall Happiness Rank Russia: 72
  • Happiness Score Russia:5.785

Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.

What is the Happiness Index?

The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.

How is the Happiness Index Calculated?

The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.

In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:

  1. GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
  2. Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
  3. Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
  4. Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
  5. Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
  6. Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.

These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.

What Does the Happiness Index Affect?

The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:

  1. Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
  2. Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
  3. Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
  4. Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.

By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.

Short information

  • Abbreviation of Russia. RU.

    Russia is a vast country with a federal semi-presidential republic political structure. It has a rich cultural heritage, with renowned literature, music, and traditional arts. Russia is one of the world’s leading producers of natural resources such as oil, natural gas, and timber.

  • Russia is the largest country in the world by land area.
  • The Trans-Siberian Railway in Russia is the longest railway line in the world.
  • Russia is home to Lake Baikal, the deepest and oldest freshwater lake on Earth.
  • Russia – A Comprehensive Overview

    Early History:

    The territory of modern-day Russia has been inhabited since ancient times. The East Slavic tribes, including the Krivichs, Vyatichs, and Ilmen Slavs, settled in the region during the 6th century AD. In the 9th century, the Varangians, a group of Norse warriors and traders, founded the first major East Slavic state, Kievan Rus, centered in present-day Ukraine.

    Kingdoms and Empires:

    After the fall of Kievan Rus in the 13th century, the Grand Duchy of Moscow emerged as a powerful state, eventually becoming the Tsardom of Russia in 1547 under Ivan IV (Ivan the Terrible). The Russian Empire was established in 1721 by Peter the Great, expanding its territories across Eurasia and becoming a major global power.

    Colonial Period:

    Russia did not experience a colonial period in the traditional sense. However, it pursued an expansionist policy, annexing territories and subjugating various ethnic groups under its rule, including parts of Eastern Europe, the Caucasus region, Central Asia, and the Far East.

    Independence and Modern Era:

    The Russian Empire collapsed in the aftermath of the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution, leading to the establishment of the Soviet Union in 1922. The Soviet era was marked by rapid industrialization, the consolidation of communist rule, and the country’s emergence as a global superpower during the Cold War. In 1991, the Soviet Union dissolved, and the Russian Federation was born, transitioning to a market economy and democratic governance.

    Current Political Situation:

    Russia is a semi-presidential federation with a president as the head of state and a prime minister as the head of government. Vladimir Putin has been the dominant political figure since 2000, serving as president from 2000 to 2008 and again from 2012 to the present. The country has a multi-party system, but the ruling United Russia party holds a majority in parliament.

    International Relations:

    Russia maintains close ties with former Soviet republics and has sought to reassert its global influence. It is a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and plays a significant role in regional and international affairs. However, its relations with the West have been strained due to issues such as the annexation of Crimea, alleged interference in foreign elections, and human rights concerns.

    Human Development and Economy:

    Russia has a mixed economy with a significant state presence in strategic sectors. Its major industries include energy, mining, manufacturing, and agriculture. The country has a high Human Development Index ranking but faces challenges such as income inequality, corruption, and an aging population.

    Cultural Highlights:

    Russia boasts a rich cultural heritage, including renowned literature, art, music, and ballet. The Russian Orthodox Church plays a significant role in the country’s cultural identity. Russian cuisine is diverse, with dishes like borscht (beet soup), pelmeni (dumplings), and blini (pancakes) being popular national dishes.

    Challenges and Opportunities:

    Russia faces challenges such as economic diversification, demographic decline, and modernizing its infrastructure. Opportunities lie in leveraging its vast natural resources, promoting innovation and technology, and strengthening its role in global affairs through constructive diplomacy and cooperation.

Main facts

Location

Russia is the largest country in the world, spanning across the northern part of Eurasia. It stretches from the Baltic Sea in the west to the Pacific Ocean in the east, and from the Arctic Ocean in the north to the Black Sea and the Caucasus Mountains in the south. Russia shares land borders with 16 sovereign nations, including Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Belarus, Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, China, Mongolia, and North Korea.

Map References

Russia is located in Northern Eurasia, spanning across both Europe and Asia.

Area – Comparative

With a total area of approximately 17 million square kilometers (6.6 million square miles), Russia is roughly 1.8 times larger than the entire continent of Antarctica.

Land Boundaries and Border Countries

Russia has a total land boundary length of 22,408 kilometers (13,938 miles), bordering the following countries:

Coastline (if applicable)

Russia has a vast coastline of approximately 37,653 kilometers (23,396 miles), stretching along the Arctic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, and several marginal seas, including the Baltic Sea, Black Sea, and Caspian Sea.

Maritime Claims

Russia claims the following maritime zones:

  • Territorial sea: 12 nautical miles
  • Exclusive economic zone: 200 nautical miles
  • Continental shelf: 200 nautical miles or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate

Russia has a continental climate, with significant variations across its vast territory. The northernmost regions experience an Arctic climate, while the central and southern regions have a temperate continental climate. The coastal regions along the Black Sea have a humid subtropical climate, and the Far East regions have a humid continental and subarctic climate.

Terrain

Russia’s terrain is diverse, with extensive plains spanning across the European and West Siberian parts of the country. Major mountain ranges include the Ural Mountains, the Caucasus Mountains, and the Kamchatka Mountains in the Far East. The country also has numerous river valleys, such as those of the Volga, Ob, Yenisei, and Lena rivers.

Elevation Extremes

The highest point in Russia is Mount Elbrus in the Caucasus Mountains, reaching an elevation of 5,642 meters (18,510 feet) above sea level. The lowest point is the Caspian Sea, at 28 meters (92 feet) below sea level.

Natural Resources

Russia is endowed with abundant natural resources, including:

  • Petroleum
  • Natural gas
  • Coal
  • Iron ore
  • Timber
  • Precious metals (gold, platinum, diamonds)
  • Rare earth elements

Major Bodies of Water

The major bodies of water in Russia include:

  • Arctic Ocean (shared with several other countries)
  • Pacific Ocean (shared with several other countries)
  • Caspian Sea (shared with Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan)
  • Lake Baikal (the world’s largest and deepest freshwater lake)
  • Volga River (the longest river in Europe)
  • Ob River
  • Yenisei River
  • Lena River

Natural Hazards

Common natural hazards in Russia include:

  • Earthquakes (in regions near tectonic fault lines, such as the Kamchatka Peninsula and the Kuril Islands)
  • Floods (particularly in the spring due to melting snow and ice)
  • Wildfires (especially in forested areas during hot and dry periods)
  • Permafrost (in northern regions, causing land subsidence and infrastructure damage)

Geography – Notes

Russia’s vast territory spans across 11 time zones and encompasses a diverse range of landscapes, from Arctic tundra to subtropical beaches. The country’s geography has played a crucial role in shaping its history, culture, and economic development. Russia’s abundant natural resources, particularly its fossil fuel reserves, have made it a significant player in the global energy market.

  • Forest Area (% of land area): 49.80%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
  • Co2 Emissions: 1,732,027. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
  • Agricultural Land( %). 13.30%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
  • Geographic Coordinates:  61.52401105.318756.
  • Capital: The capital of Russia is  Moscow
  • Major Cities:
    • Moscow – Population: 12,537,000
    • Saint Petersburg – Population: 5,398,064
    • Novosibirsk – Population: 1,612,833
    • Yekaterinburg – Population: 1,495,000
    • Samara – Population: 1,183,315
  • Population: 144,373,535
  • Area(Km2): 17098240
  • Population Density( P/Km²):9. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
  • Calling Code:7
  • Official Language(s):Russia is primarily spoken in Russian, with a percentage of 100%.
  • Currency: RUB

Main Economic Indicators

Russia has a large, open, and semi-market economy that relies heavily on energy exports. It has a diverse industrial base, but the economy is highly dependent on the exportation of commodities, particularly oil and gas, metals, and timber. Key economic challenges include a shrinking workforce, institutional corruption, excessive reliance on commodity exports, and capital flight. Notable economic policies have focused on reducing geopolitical tensions, diversifying the economy, and improving the business climate.

Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)

– 2021: 6.7% (Source: World Bank)
– 2020: 3.4% (Source: World Bank)

Credit Ratings

– Fitch: BBB (Stable)
– Moody’s: Baa3 (Stable)
– Standard & Poor’s: BBB- (Stable)

GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin

– Agriculture: 4.3%
– Industry: 32.4%
– Services: 63.3%

Key Agricultural and Industrial Products

Agricultural Products: Grain, sugar beets, sunflower seeds, vegetables, fruits, beef, milk.
Industrial Products: Oil and gas, metals, machinery and equipment, chemicals, plastics, transport vehicles, aerospace products, ships, and other manufacturing.

Labor Force

Russia has a total labor force of 71.5 million people, ranking 6th in the world.

Current Account Balance

– 2021: $120.3 billion surplus (Ranked 4th in the world)
– 2020: $35.6 billion surplus (Ranked 11th in the world)

Exports and Imports

Exports: $491.6 billion (2021 est.)
Key Partners: China, Netherlands, Germany, Belarus, Turkey
Main Exports: Crude petroleum, refined petroleum, natural gas, coal, semi-finished iron, wheat, fertilizers, iron and steel
Imports: $290.9 billion (2021 est.)
Key Partners: China, Germany, Belarus, United States, Italy
Main Imports: Machinery, vehicles, pharmaceutical products, plastics, iron and steel, aircraft, optical and medical instruments

Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold

As of December 2022, Russia’s foreign exchange reserves stood at $573.8 billion, while its gold reserves amounted to 2,298.5 tonnes.

  • GDP (Current US$):$1,699,876,578,871. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
  • Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 11.40%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
  • Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 46.20%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
  • Gasoline Price. $0.59. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
  • Minimum wage. $0.53. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
  • Unemployment Rate (%): 4.59%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.

Social Indicators

1. National Identity

Nationality noun: Russian
Nationality adjective: Russian

2. Ethnic Groups

Major ethnic groups:
– Russian: 77.7%
– Tatar: 3.7%
– Ukrainian: 1.4%
– Bashkir: 1.1%
– Chuvash: 1%
– Chechen: 1%

3. Religions

Religious affiliations:
– Russian Orthodox: 15-20%
– Muslim: 10-15%
– Other Christians: 2%
– No religious affiliation: 62%

4. Age Structure

Age group distribution:
– 0-14 years: 18.1%
– 15-64 years: 63.4%
– 65 years and over: 18.5%

5. Dependency Ratios

Dependency ratios:
– Total dependency ratio: 57.7
– Youth dependency ratio: 26.2
– Elderly dependency ratio: 31.5

6. Median Age

Median age:
– Total: 39.6 years
– Male: 36.6 years
– Female: 42.8 years

7. Lifestyle Indicators

Lifestyle statistics:
– Obesity rate: 23.1%
– Alcohol consumption: 11.7 liters of pure alcohol per capita/year
– Tobacco use: 30.9% of adults

  • Life Expectancy at Birth: 72.7. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
  • Literacy Rate (% of adults): 99.7%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
  • Birth Rate:11.5. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
  • Death Rate:17. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
  • Fertility Rate: 1.57. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
  • Internet Users (% of population): 89.5%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
  • Urban Population: 107,683,889. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
  • Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):36.40%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.

Infrastructure and Services

Military and Security Forces

The Russian Armed Forces consist of the following main branches: Army, Navy, Aerospace Forces, and Airborne Troops. It also has the National Guard and Federal Security Service as internal security forces. Special units include Spetsnaz (special forces) and the Federal Protective Service.

Military Expenditures

Russia’s military expenditures as a percentage of GDP for the last five years are as follows:

  • 2022: 4.1%
  • 2021: 4.3%
  • 2020: 4.3%
  • 2019: 3.9%
  • 2018: 3.7%

Russia consistently ranks among the top five countries globally in terms of military spending.

Personnel Strengths

The total active-duty military personnel strength is approximately 900,000, with the following breakdown:

  • Army: 280,000
  • Navy: 150,000
  • Aerospace Forces: 165,000
  • Airborne Troops: 45,000

Other security services include the National Guard (340,000 personnel) and the Federal Security Service (350,000 personnel).

Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions

Russia’s military hardware includes domestically produced and imported equipment, such as:

  • Tanks (T-14 Armata, T-90, T-72)
  • Armored vehicles (BTR-82A, Kurganets-25)
  • Artillery systems (2S35 Koalitsiya-SV, Msta-S)
  • Combat aircraft (Su-35, MiG-29, Su-30)
  • Naval vessels (Kirov-class battlecruisers, Yasen-class submarines)
  • Strategic missile systems (RS-24 Yars, RS-28 Sarmat)

Significant future acquisitions and development programs include the S-500 air defense system, Sukhoi Su-57 stealth fighter, and Lider-class destroyer.

Military Service Age and Obligation

The age range for mandatory military service is 18-27 years. The standard term of service is 12 months. There are also voluntary enlistment programs and professional military service contracts.

Military Deployments

Current overseas military deployments include:

  • Syria (approx. 4,000 personnel)
  • Kyrgyzstan (approx. 500 personnel)
  • Tajikistan (approx. 7,000 personnel)
  • Armenia (approx. 5,000 personnel)
  • Ukraine (unspecified number of troops since the 2022 invasion)

Russia also contributes personnel to various United Nations peacekeeping missions.

Strategic Military Notes

Russia’s defense strategy focuses on maintaining a strong nuclear deterrent, modernizing conventional forces, and exerting influence in its perceived sphere of influence. The military plays a key role in projecting Russian power and protecting its interests, particularly in the former Soviet region.

Russia is a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) military alliance and has strategic partnerships with countries like China and India. It views NATO expansion as a threat and has engaged in military interventions in Georgia, Ukraine, and Syria to counter perceived Western influence.

  • Armed Forces Size: 1454000. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
  • Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 04.01
  • Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 61.80%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.

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