After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Russia faced numerous social and economic problems. Resources that the Union relied on were distributed amongst former members who were now independent nations. Russia was also left with a huge foreign debt.
Government and Politics: Boris Yeltsin was the Country’s first President taking office in 1991. He embarked on a number of reforms to state run institutions which included privatization and improvement of vital services. Yeltsin survived an impeachment attempt in 1993 and remained as President amid poor health until the 31st of December 1999 when he was replaced by Vladimir Putin. Putin was reelected for a second term in 2003.

Problems faced by the Government:

Chechnya:

Attempts at self independence by armed movements from the republic of Chechnya which began in the early 1990s has resulted in almost a decade of conflict between the militants and the Russian army trying to suppress the rebellion. The issue has been a major embarrassment for the country on the international scene and has resulted in thousands of casualties on both sides. The separatists are now resolving to terrorism and the Beslan School attack which claimed over 350 lives in 2004 is said to have been caused by militants from Chechnya’s independence movement.

Popularity: 70% [?]