November 2000
A defining feature of Ukraine’s national structure is the existence of a regional divide. This paper provides information on the size, population and ethnic breakdown of the regions of Ukraine, as well as names of the main towns and current governors. It includes historical background and geographical/climatic information about the areas, details on economic activity and other particular points relevant to each region.
October 2000
Russia has serious environmental problems. Russian government scientists have declared that 15% of their country is 'unfit to live in' and that in a further area inhabited by 40 million people the level of pollution far exceeds permissible standards. Environmental organisations say that these figures are an underestimate. This paper aims to provide an outline of the non-nuclear environmental problems facing Russia today.
October 2000
The FCO's Eastern Research Group has compiled a list of high level visits between the UK and Russia from 1992 to 1999.
May 2000
Kazakhstan, with its vast natural wealth and key strategic location, is attracting increasing international attention. To understand Kazakhstan, a territory equivalent to the size of the whole of western Europe, one has to understand its regions. This paper is divided into 15 chapters: the first outlines the system of government in Kazakhstan and the remaining chapters give a thumbnail sketch of each of Kazakhstan's administrative regions. Chapters begin with basic data on population, size, main towns and political figures. They also provide details on historical background, geography and environment, politics, economy and investment, and give brief biographies of local politicians.
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