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Russia

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Russia

Country Profile/Quick Facts

Russia is the world's largest country with a population of over 145 million people spread across an area equal to one-sixth of the world's land surface. Since the break up of the Soviet Union in 1991, the country has struggled immensely with the transition from a central-controlled economy to a more open and free market system.

About 45 million people - a little over one-third of Russia's population - lives below the poverty line. Although Russia has one of the highest literacy rates in the world - one in ten workers are unemployed and as many as 10 million people have to survive on the equivalent of $1.00 US per day.

This economic hardship has been further aggravated by frequent natural disasters, population movement and armed conflict in the North Caucasus Region (including the Chechen Republic) and an abrupt decline in health services throughout the country. Diseases previously under control, such as tuberculosis and diphtheria, have re-emerged and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS, are being reported at an alarming rate. One-third of the population has no access to essential drugs and life expectancy has fallen from 70 years (1987) to 66.1 (1999). The birth rate has fallen to negative numbers and social problems - alcoholism, drug abuse, domestic violence, divorce and crime - are on the rise.

Russian Red Cross

	Canadian Red Cross Program Manager Shauna McLarnon (far left) meets with beneficiaries in Magadan

The Russian Red Cross (RRC), with over 800,000 volunteers and 1,000 permanent staff, has been working closely in partnership with the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (Federation) to provide assistance to people hardest hit by the difficulties of the last decade. The RRC also has bilateral programs with national societies such as the Canadian Red Cross (CRC).

The CRC, the RRC and Canada's Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade embarked on an extensive period of co-operation in 1991 through the Solidarity Assistance Program. This program focuses on providing medical and hospital kits in Russia, as well as in the Baltic States and Central Asia.

Continuing its close association with the Russian Red Cross, from 1995 to 2001, the Canadian Red Cross managed a program to help revitalize and improve the national first aid program. The program was funded by the Canadian International Development Agency. European standard instruction is now delivered in more than 18 regions of Russia.

Since 1998, the CRC has been working in co-operation with the Federation and the RRC to provide assistance to the isolated territories of the Far North-East, in Chukotka, Koriak, Magadan and Kamchatka. Initially, the focus was on emergency relief - food, clothing, other supplies - following the 1998 ruble crisis and the collapse of the Northern supply system. The emphasis has since shifted to long-term economic and community development designed to provide the local populations with tools and skills to help them better meet their own needs and become self-sufficient. The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) has had a vital funding role for the Canadian Red Cross' activities in the Russian Far North-East. In the last three years alone, CIDA has contributed $4.75 million to provide relief items, and fund a number of innovative programs.

Quick Facts Capital: Moscow Population: 145.5 million Age Structure: 0-14 years: 17.41% and 65 years and over: 12.81% Infant Mortality Rate: 20.05 deaths per 1,000 live births Adult Literacy Rate: 98 percent Language: Russian