Country Profile for RUSSIAN FEDERATION

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Risk Rating

General Information

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Red (High Risk) InTouch advice:
Most parts of the country are dangerous.
Do not travel unless absolutely necessary.


Amber (Moderate Risk) InTouch advice:
Some parts of the country are dangerous.
Travel with caution.


Green (Low Risk) InTouch advice:
Most parts of the country are safe.
Travel freely.
 
Capital: Moscow

Major Languages: Russian

Currency: Ruble

Timezone: GMT +2:00 to +11:00
 

Overview

Overview

 

On 4 March, 2012 Vladimir Putin declared victory in Russia’s presidential elections. The victory, which represented Mr Putin’s third term in office, was tainted by allegations of electoral fraud and political intimidation. It also came against a backdrop of increasing discontent amongst the population; since 2011 there have been a series of anti-Putin demonstrations throughout the country. The protesters, largely comprising of young educated Russians, were initially mobilised by the controversial legislative elections in 2011 which Putin’s United Russia party won. Since then the opposition movement has become more organised and held a series of mass rallies, predominantly in Moscow. Protests have also been held in support of the jailed members of Russian punk band Pussy Riot, who were charged with hooliganism in March, 2012 after performing a song critical of the Orthodox Church and Vladimir Putin.

Aside from the increasing political tension in Russia, the government is also fighting to end an ongoing insurgency in the North Caucasus region, where fundamental Islamic militants are fighting for a regional political entity built around Sharia law. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union fundamental Islam, particularly in the form of Salafism, has been spreading throughout the region. The Second Chechen War, which began in 1999, accelerated the militarisation of the various separatists and by 2007 the Caucasus Emirate was created with the aim of bringing the various disparate groups within a single command structure. The group, through their militant-wing the Caucasus Front, have been responsible for numerous attacks across the North Caucasus. Russian security personnel are often the target of insurgent attacks; however, civilians are often killed or wounded in the attacks. In May, 2012 a double bombing in Dagestan’s capital, Makhachkala killed 13 civilians and left more 100 injured. Due to the ongoing conflict foreign nationals are strongly advised to avoid all non-essential travel to the North Caucasus, especially Dagestan, Chechnya and Ingushetia.

The insurgents have also demonstrated that they are capable of carrying out attacks in other parts of Russia. In recent years the most significant of these have taken place around Moscow, such as the bombings on the Moscow Metro in 2010, which killed at least 40 people, and at Domodedovo Airport in 2011 where 37 people died. In 2009 a bomb exploded under a high speed train which was travelling between Moscow and St. Petersburg, causing a derailment and the deaths of at least 28 people. The threat of future indiscriminate attacks remains high, especially in Moscow, and extra vigilance is advised in and around the city’s public transport hubs.

Crime poses a moderate threat to visitors to Russia, although the majority of visits are trouble free. Levels of petty crime in Moscow and St. Petersburg are comparable to most major cities, with the threat from pick-pockets and thieves heightened around areas popular with tourists. Acts of violent crime, although less common, do occur from time to time. These include racially motivated attacks, which have been recorded against people of Asian and African descent.

Alerts

Alert for Russian Federation

 

Thousands attend anti-Putin rally in Moscow - 6 May 2013:

Around 20,000 people have gathered in Moscow's Bolotnaya Square to protest against Russia's President Vladimir Putin.  The rally was held on the anniversary of violent protests held last year on the eve of Mr Putin's inauguration. 

Suicide bombing kills three in Dagestan - 1 May 2013:

At least three people have been killed in a suicide bomb attack in the republican capital Makhachkala in Dagestan.  The device had been left by the roadside outside a market in the centre of the city.

Six killed in Belgorod shooting - 22 April 2013:

At least six people have been killed in a shooting in the south-western town of Belgorod.  Local media reported that the gunman was attempting to carry out an armed robbery when he opened fire outside a department store.

Rebels killed in North Caucasus - 12 February 2013:

Russian security forces have killed six militants during clashes in Dagestan in the North Caucasus.  Russia's Anit-terrorism Committee (NAK) said that the militants, including rebel leaders, had been using a forest hideout on the border of the Derbent and Tabasaran districts.

Chechen rebel leaders killed by Russian troops - 27 January 2013:

Russian security forces have killed two senior Islamist commanders and nine other militants in the restive republic of Chechnya.  Khusein and Muslim Gakayev were killed during the two day operations in the Vedeno district.

Opposition leaders arrested at anti-Putin rally - 16 December 2012:

Russian police have arrested at least 40 people, including a number of opposition leaders, after they held a rally against President Vladimir Puin in Moscow.  Authorities had earlier denied the opposition with permission to stage the protest.

Russian journalist shot dead in North Caucasus - 06 December 2012:

A Russian television journalist has been shot dead in the city of Nalchik, capital of the Kabardino-Balkaria republic.  Investigators have claimed that Kazbek Gekkiyev was killed because of his investigations into insurgents groups in the region.

Three killed in Dagestan bomb attacks - 22 November 2012:

Three people have been killed in twin bomb attacks in the restive republic of Dagestan in the North Caucasus.  Two devices exploded in the village of Shamikala, killing two police officers and a civilian.

Imam shot dead in Dagestan region - 31 October 2012:

An imam and two of his relatives have been shot dead by unidentified attackers in the restive Dagestan region.  Kalimulla Ibragimov's car was fired upon as he was headed to the Derbent mosque for morning prayers.

Kazan gun battle leaves three dead - 24 October 2012:

Two Islamic militants and a member of the Russian security forces has been killed in a gun battle in the central city of Kazan.  The incident occurred during security operation against a group of "dangerous criminals" in the suburbs of the city.  Police said one of the militants was wearing a suicide belt when he was shot dead.

Police officer killed in suicide bomb attack - 23 October 2012:

A police officer has been killed and three others seriously wounded after a suicide bomber attacked a police checkpoint in the North Caucasus region.  The incident occurred along the border between North Ossetia and Ingushestia.

Security forces kill 49 militants in North Caucasus - 21 October 2012:

Russian security forces have killed 49 militants in operations in the North Caucasus region.  A Russian Anti-Terror Committee spokesman said that a further 30 militants have been arrested and 90 militant bases destroyed throughout the region over a two month period,

Suicide bomb kills Islamic scholar in Dagestan - 28 August 2012:

A suicide bomb attack has killed at least six people, including a prominent Islamic scholar, in the restive Dagestan region.  The interior ministry have said that the bomber,  a woman "posing as a pilgrim", had walked into the house of Sheikh Said Afandi before detonating the device.

Seven police officers killed in suicide bombing - 19 August 2012:

At least seven Russian police officers have been killed in a suicide bomb attack in the southern region of Ingushetia.  The blast took place at the funeral of another officer who was shot dead last week.

Police officer killed in Dagestan bombing - 14 August 2012:

A police officer has been killed in a car bombing in the southern Republic of Dagestan.  The device had been planted underneath the officer's car in the town of Buinaksk.

Russian troops killed in Chechen blast - 07 August 2012:

Three Russian soldiers have been killed in a suicide bomb attack in the Chechen capital, Grozny.  The Chechen leader has blamed the attack on Islamic militants led by Khuseyn Gakayev.

Muslim leaders targeted in twin attacks - 19 July 2012:

The mufti of Tatarstan has been wounded in a car bomb attack in Kazan, shortly after his deputy was shot dead outside his house.  The motive for the attacks are unclear; however, the two leaders were known for fighting against Islamic extremism in the region.

Thousands join anti-Putin protest in Moscow - 12 June 2012:

Thousands of people have taken part in anti-government in the Russian capital Moscow, calling for fresh elections and for President Vladimir Putin to step down.  Last week the Russian parliament passed legislation which significantly increased fines against people who violate protest laws.

Parliament passes protest fine bill - 06 June 2012:

Russia's lower house of parliament, the Duma, has passed a controversial bill which raises the amount people can be fined if they breach laws on public rallies.  The fines have been increased from 5,000 rubles to 300,000 rouble for rally participants.

Clashes at Moscow anti-Putin protests - 06 May 2012:

Riot police have clashed with anti-government protesters in the Russian capital Moscow.  The protests are carrying out ahead of Vladimir Putin's inauguration for a third term as president.

Dagestan blasts kill 12 - 04 May 2012:

At least 12 people have been killed in two explosions in the Dagestani capital Makhachkala.  The first blast was caused by a suicide car bomb at a police checkpoint on the outskirts of the city.  Islamic insurgents are suspected of carrying out the attack.

Suicide bomb kills five police in Dagestan - 07 March 2012:

A suicide bomber has killed at least five police officers in Karabudakhkent, Dagestan.  The female attacker detonated the bomb at a traffic post in the town.

Vladimir Putin elected president - 04 March 2012:

Vladimir Putin has been elected president for the third time, securing a six year term in the Kremlin.  Exit polls suggest that Putin won around 60% of the votes, while his nearest rival called the result "illegitimate, dishonest and untransparent."

Fighting erupts on Chechnya/Dagestan border - 20 February 2012:

Seventeen police officers and seven insurgents have been killed in fighting along the border between Chechnya and Dagestan.  The Russian government claims that the police were ambushed, and that a further 24 troops were injured in the clashes.

Rival protests held in Moscow - 05 February 2012:

Rival groups have carried out pro and anti-government protests in the Russian capital Moscow.  The opposition protesters held a mass rally outside the Kremlin, chanting "Russia without Putin".

Mass anti-government protest held in Moscow - 24 December 2011:

Tens of thousands of people have gathered in Moscow to hold further protests against Vladimir Putin.  The demonstrators accuse the government of rigging the parliamentary elections held on 04 December.

Journalist shot dead in Dagestan - 16 December 2011:

A unknown gunman has shot dead the founder of a newspaper in the southern republic of Dagestan.  Gadzhimurat Kamalov, an outspoken critic of police corruption in the region, was shot dead outside the offices of his newspaper, Chernovik.

Mass protests held in Moscow, St Petersburg - 10 December 2011:

Thousands of people have gathered in the cities of Moscow and St Petersburg to hold anti-government demonstrations.  An estimated 50,000 people gathered outside the Kremlin in the Russian capital to protest against alleged vote rigging in parliamentary elections.

Protesters hold rival protests in Moscow - 06 December 2011:

Critics and supporters of Prime Minister Vladimir Putin have held rival protests in the centre of Moscow.  Police arrested around 250 protesters at the rally, which followed allegations of fraud in Sunday's parliamentary elections.

Triple suicide bombings kill eight in Chechen capital - 31 August 2011:

Eight people have been killed by a triple suicide bomb attack in Chechnya's capital, Grozny.  Another 22 people were injured by the blasts, which took place as Muslims were celebrating the festival of Eid in the city.   

Seven killed in Dagestan shootout - 09 August 2011:

Seven people have been killed following a shootout between feuding villagers in the southern region of Dagestan.  The area has experienced years of violence and instability and is the home of various separatist Islamic militants.

Suicide bomber kills police officer in Dagestan - 10 May 2011:

A suicide bomber has killed a police officer and injured another in an attack in the city of Makhachkala in Dagestan.  Separatist militants from the region have carried out a number of similar attacks in recent months, both in the North Caucus and in the Russian interior.

Twin bomb blasts target police buildings in Volgograd - 27 April 2011:

Two bombs have detonated close to police buildings in the city of Volgograd, however no one was injured in the blasts.  No group have yet claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Security forces clash with insurgents in North Caucasus - 28 March 2011:

At least 20 people have been killed following clashes between security forces and insurgents in Ingushetia in the North Caucasus.  An army official claimed that 17 rebels and three security officers were killed in the fighting.

Militants attack security services in Kabardino-Balkaria - 26 February 2011:

Around a dozen militants have attacked the Federal Security Service (FSB) building in the southern Russian republic of Kabardino-Balkaria.  This attack follows the killing of three tourists in the nearby Elbrus mountain resort on 18 February and suggests an increase in militant activity in the region.

Moscow tourists killed by militants in North Caucasus - 18 February 2011:

At least three tourists have been killed by militants in the North Caucasus while on their way to a ski resort in the region.  Following the attack an explosion targeted a ski lift in Kabardino-Balkaria, however nobody is reported to have been injured in the blast.

Eight killed in Caucasus clashes - 15 February 2011:

Eight people have been killed in clashes between Russian security forces and Islamic militants in the north Caucasus. 

Train stations evacuated after bomb threat - 06 February 2011:

Russian police have evacuated several Moscow train stations after receiving a bomb threat.  No explosives were found in the subsequent searches, which came on two weeks after a suicide bomb at Moscow's Domodedovo airport killed 36 people.

Airport blast kills at least 30 people - 24 January 2011:

At least 30 people have been killed and more that 100 injured after a bomb detonated inside Russia's main airport.  The blast, which took place at Moscow's Domodedovo airport, is believed to have been caused by a suicide bomber.

Seven police officers killed in Dagestan - 12 November 2010:

Militants have killed seven Russian police officers in a shooting in the city of Makhachkala in Dagestan.

Militants attack on Chechen parliament leaves six dead - 19 October 2010:

Islamic militants stormed the Chechen parliament in Grozny, leaving six people dead and at least 10 others injured in the attack

Data

Russian Federation Data Sheet

 

Population: 143.3 million

Major Religion/s: : Christianity, Islam

International dialling code: +7

International dialling prefix: 810

Emergency services: Police 02, Medical 03, Fire 01

Drives: Right

Voltage: 220V

Climate: Varies from humid continental, subartic climate and subtropical.

Other Major Cities: Saint Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg

Borders: Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Belarus, Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, China, Mongolia, North Korea


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