Quote:
Originally Posted by crockett
Just another case of the Russian govt trying to feel big in a world they are not so big in anymore..
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Where have you been?
Putin strengthened Russia?s economy and restored its global influence
"Vladimir Putin became Russia?s president in 2000. Under his reign the Russian economy increased by 6 fold, becoming the 7th largest in the world. Under Putin, Russian industry grew by 76%, investments increased by 125%, real incomes more than doubled and the average monthly salary increased sevenfold from $80 to $640. From 2000 to 2006 the volume of consumer credit increased 45 times and the middle class grew from 8 million to 55 million people. The number of people living below the poverty line decreased from 30% in 2000 to 14% in 2008.
In his 8 years governance, Putin had largely restored Russian military might and influence. He formed alliance with North Korea, China, Mongolia and Kazakhstan, effectively securing Russian eastern and southern borders.
The Russia now and 20 years ago is of stark contrast. The country is no longer poor ? it has built up $516 billion in foreign reserves, the world?s third largest; only after China and Japan. Russia has surpassed Saudi Arabia as the world?s largest oil exporter, given that it is also the world?s largest gas exporter, the Russia today is an energy superpower. Russia, a strong scientific, aerospace and engineering nation, is widely believed to possess the world?s second most advanced military after the USA."
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