Russia's political icons and ideologies may have tumbled but Churchill's 'riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma' remains an apt descriptive chestnut. Outsiders still have only a hazy grasp of daily life in Russia, and the unfolding effects of a deregulated market economy are surrounded by rumours of rampant crime and prostitution, relentless drug-trafficking, mile-long queues for nonexistent food and a general end-of-the-world aura. But with countless cultural treasures having withstood the tribulations of history and economics, and an artistic legacy running the gamut from Karenina to Zhivago, Russia remains a must-see destination. So grab your balalaika, turn off the samovar and meet up with Boris and Natasha at Lenin's tomb in Moscow, in the queue outside the Hermitage in St Petersburg, in any one of the Golden Ring's gorgeous historic towns and in the wildflower-filled meadows of the Caucasus.

Warning

It is currently not safe to travel to Chechnya, Dagestan and Ingushetia. Military clashes, kidnapping of aid workers and foreigners, violent crimes and muggings are prevalent. Travellers are strongly advised against travel in Chechnya and Dagestan. The situations in these regions is particularly volatile - we suggest you do some research into the state of Caucasus affairs before travelling. You're also advised to check with your government's foreign affairs department.

Full country name: Russian Federation
Area: 17 million sq km (6,563,706 sq mi)
Population: 147 million (growth rate -0.3%)
Capital city: Moscow (pop 8.3 million)
People: 81% Russian, 4% Tatar, 3% Ukrainian and numerous ethnic minorities
Language: Russian
Religion: Russian Orthodox, Islam, Animist
Government: Federation
President: Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin

Free market reform has not been kind to Russia. Production and investment are in diabolical decline due to uncertainty induced by both the pace of change and the suspicions born of endemic and insidious corruption. Some 40 million people languish below the poverty line.
GDP: US$350 billion
GDP per head: US$2420
Annual growth: 4%
Inflation: 15.1%
Major industries: Oil, coal, iron ore, timber, automotive, agricultural and construction equipment
Major trading partners: EU (esp. Germany), Belarus, Ukraine, USA, China
Member of EU: no

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