Russia and Its Neighbors
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The world's first communist state established in 1917 and encompassed modern day Russia along with a number of countries that surround it. The USSR collapsed in the late 1991.

A plan initiated in 1953 to open up vast areas of Kazakhstan steppe to grain production.

Region found between the tundra and steppe regions of northern latitudes that is generally composed of coniferous forests.

The empire founded by Genghis Khan that extended in the 13th and 14th century across Asia into Europe.

A system of labor camps maintained in the Soviet Union in the early to mid 20th century.

An empire that developed from the Roman Empire, centered on Constantinople that lasted from 285 until 1483.

Countries that were part of the Soviet Union, some of which maintained some relative autonomy.

Political fragments of a state not physically connected to that state and surrounded by the territory of one or other nations.

The alphabet used by Slavic languages, such as Russian, Bulgarian, and Serbian.

A very rich business person who might also maintain a great deal of political authority. Oligarchs proliferated in Russia after the fall of the USSR as many previously state owned assets were acquired below market value.

The ideological movement by Russian leaders to promote the active creation of a single Russian empire with one religion and a single language.

A significant and highly influential ancient trade route that linked Europe with China.

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