Changes

The history stretches back over a thousand years, with rule by the Czars until [[communists]] took over the nation in 1917, and were subsequently overthrown in 1991.  Russia was the largest constituent of the [[Soviet Union]]. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the nation became known as the Russian Federation. Russia had an extensive empire built up over hundreds of years, almost all of which broke away in 1991.

The history stretches back over a thousand years, with rule by the Czars until [[communists]] took over the nation in 1917, and were subsequently overthrown in 1991.  Russia was the largest constituent of the [[Soviet Union]]. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the nation became known as the Russian Federation. Russia had an extensive empire built up over hundreds of years, almost all of which broke away in 1991.

Russia is theoretically a federation of constituent governments. In reality, it has a highly centralized government, largely due to President  [[Vladimir Putin]]. Putin has nationalized the nation's oil and gas companies, seized foreign investments, imprisoned top businessmen, and brought an autocratic, anti-democratic style that resembles--in milder form--the czars and Soviets. Thanks to oil revenue, it has the money to pursue an aggressive foreign policy, which is mildly hostile to the United States and to [[NATO]].

Russia is a federation of constituent governments.  

 

==Geography==

==Geography==

[[File:Aerial view of the Caucasus Mountains.jpg|thumb|Aerial view of the Caucasus Mountains.]]

[[File:Aerial view of the Caucasus Mountains.jpg|thumb|Aerial view of the Caucasus Mountains.]]