3. The economy

Russia was the most populous state of the former USSR and the wealthiest one. It produced 78 per cent of all its natural gas, 60 per cent of steel, 80 per cent of timber and 91 per cent of oil. It also had one of the world’s largest fishing industries.

The history of Russian industry goes back to the middle of the seventeenth century. The development of new industries and crafts - metalworking, textile, brick making and china manufacture – was encouraged under Peter the Great. During the reign of Catherine the Great, the Urals became the focus for iron industry, and Russia became the world’s largest iron producer.

After 1870, the fast railway engineering in Russia was stimulated by the industrial boom. Some deals were made with western companies to develop Russia’s immense oil resources. By 1903 Russia had become the world’s largest oil producer.

Before the Revolution Russia was one of the world’s largest grain producers and exporters. However, lately Russia became one of its biggest importers as a result of collectivization and mismanagement of agriculture.

In Soviet times, the central planning system was inefficient with regard to both production and distribution of goods. During the last decade of the XXth century, the economic situation was a dramatic one. The industrial production was quickly decreasing, plants and factories went bankrupt, and there were millions of unemployed. The rate of inflation was high.

By now, the country has come to a different situation. The difficulties of political and economic character are being overcome, more and more factories and small businesses start working. Everywhere you can see advertisements saying:” Needed for the position of… “, fewer people are unemployed.

The gas extracting industry develops quickly for several reasons one of which is that gas is less polluting than oil and coal. Concerning the machine-building industry, we must remember about new cars and other machines, which have appeared lately. Our country is participating in the international space programme. The food industry supplies the Russians with all imaginable food. Russia is a highly developed country now.

Task I. Answer the questions.

1. What was the economic position of Russia in the former USSR?

2. What industries and crafts were encouraged in Russia under Peter the Great?

3. When was Russia one of the biggest grain producers and exporters?

4. What was the economic situation during the last decade of the XXth century?

5. What is the economic and political situation in Russia now?

4. The capital of russia

Moscow, the capital of Russia, is the largest city of the country. The history of Moscow is inextricably connected with the history of Russia. It was first mentioned in the records dating back to the year 1147. Moscow began to rise in the 14^th century. Under Ivan III the Great, in the mid-fifteenth century, Moscow became the principal city of the state of Muscovy.

Nowadays Moscow is the largest metropolitan area in Russia with the population of about 10 million people and one of the largest cities in the world.

The President and the Federal Assembly of Russia are in Moscow as well as other important political organizations, headquarters of political parties, embassies and consulates of all countries, all ministries and services. The Kremlin of Moscow is the symbol of the Russian politics because all main official organizations are situated here. The Mausoleum, the Grand Kremlin Palace (where official receptions and inaugurations of presidents take place), the State Kremlin Palace (where concerts are held) and the President’s residence are on the territory of the Kremlin. The towers of the Kremlin are the symbol of Russia, especially the Spasskaya Tower.

Moscow is not only a political, but also a cultural, an industrial, a scientific, a commercial and an educational center of Russia. There are a lot of factories and plants in Moscow. It is the port of five seas and it is the largest transport city. There are four airports in the suburbs of Moscow and nine railway stations, which connect Moscow with the whole world.

Throughout the history of Russia, Moscow always played the leading role in the cultural and scientific life of the Russian people. The first public theatre, the first newspaper and the first university in Russia appeared in Moscow. Moscow is also a sports center of Russia. There are many stadiums in Moscow. The Luzhniki is the central stadium where many sports competitions are held regularly.

Moscow is also a city of theatres. There are more than 30 theatres popular with both Muscovites and tourists. The most famous theatre is the State Academic Bolshoi Theatre founded in 1776. It has been famous for its vocal and ballet schools. Other famous theatres are Moscow Art Theatre, the Maly Theatre, the Sovremennik, the Taganka, the Musical Theatre and the Theatre of Satire.

Moscow has a large concentration of educational institutions. Its centers of higher education draw students from throughout Russia. The leading educational institution is Moscow State University.

There are more than 80 museums in our capital. The largest museums are Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, whose collections include works of art of the ancient Orient and ancient Egypt, and the State Tretyakov Gallery, which houses a rich collection of Russian paintings and Russian icons.

Foreigners are usually surprised by the number of churches and cathedrals in and around the city. There are also a lot of beautiful palaces, old mansions and monuments in Moscow.

One of the most famous sights of the city is the Moscow Metro. In the Metro, you do not feel as if you’re underground. This is due to the unique architecture and the artistic design of the stations, which are more like palaces.

Moscow is the city that must be seen.

Task I. Answer the questions.

1. When was Moscow mentioned in the records first?

2. What is the population of Moscow?

3. Moscow is the political centre of Russia, isn’t it? Prove it.

4. Prove that Moscow is also a cultural, educational and sports center of the country.

5. What is the Bolshoi Theatre famous for?