Wars with Chechnya over independence have left Russia s military weakened. It is biogeographically diverse and extraordinarily rich in natural resources. The USSR has wasted much of its resource wealth through inefficient development caused by Soviet emphasis on plan fulfillment at any cost. Russia has problems with exporting petroleum out of Siberia. Chernobyl is only second to third largest release of radioactive material.
Pollution is a major cause of poor public health in Russia today.
It is developing a severe demographic problem. Russia s current fertility rate is below replacement levels, and they have lost a lot its population with the breakaway of the states. Life expectancy is exceptionally low, especially among men. It has a severe infrastructure problem. Problems with old, dirty factories with obsolete technologies.