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[Odler]

(You have questions?)

What about customs and traditions in Russia?

Few customs seem to be different from the ones we have in the West. A part from the fact women wear their wedding band on the right, I have not seen anything worth mentioning. But one needs more than a whirlwind visit to appreciate traditions.

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What is the racial composition of the Russian society?

If we keep to the strict definition of races (of which there are only three), all Russians are white. Black and Asian immigrants are very small minorities.

But, ethnically speaking, Russians are very diverse, counting 33 significantly important ethnic groups. Slavics make up 82% of the population. The rest is a mosaic of Tatars (4%), Ukrainians (3%), Chuvash (1%), Jews, Germans, Belarusians, Bashkirs, Chechnyans, etc.

Thirty two ethnic groups have their own administrative territories. Equal but separated?

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What is Russia?s exact economic status?

This is a Second World country, meaning they have the industries, the resources, and the education, but living standards need to be raised. Corruption is a major problem.

Poor service is another one (you should see the way they keep their mini-bars in a major hotel in Saint Petersburg: empty!)

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What are the statistical data on health related challenges, such as H.I.V.?

HIV is coming to age in Russia. It is a consequence of the evolution of habits and values in the post communist period. Prostitution has become a problem.

Worldwatch Institute, based in Washington, DC, puts at 238,000 the number of HIV cases in Russia. However, local experts estimate the number in the range of 0.5 to 1.5 million (prevalence: 1 in 100 pop.)

Mortality due to alcohol, tobacco is worrisome. All health indicators, from infant mortality to work-related accidents, have worsened since the end of communism.

Please, visit: http://www.jeanlouie.com/

(The Traveller, Wednesday, June 25, 2003)