Sunday, June 23, 2019

Russian Economy


The Russian Federation land mass is 6.6 million square miles. It is the largest country on the planet. The next largest countries are Canada 3.8 msm, US 3.8 msm, China 3.7 msm, Brazil 3.3 msm and Australia 2.9 msm.

In 2018 Russia’s Nominal GDP was $1.578 trillion. In 2018, Russia’s Nominal Per Capita GDP was $11,327. The World Average Nominal Per Capita GDP was $11,355.

In 2018, Russian oil production was 11.16 million bpd, ranking #2 behind the US at 12 million bpd. Saudi Arabia ranked #3 with 11.13 million bpd.

Arable land in Russia is currently 7.6%, but was 8.1% in 1992

55% of Russia and Canada are permafrost.

Russia’s population is 144 million. Labor force is 77 million. Poverty is 14%. Inflation is 2.5%. Unemployment is 4.5%.

GDP by sector is agriculture 4.7%, industry 32.4%, services 62.3%. Labor force by occupation is agriculture 9.4%, industry 27.6%, services 63%.

Main industries are petroleum, natural gas, mining, coal, chemicals, metals, rolling mills, machine building, aircraft, space vehicles, defense equipment, shipbuilding, tractors, construction equipment, electrical equipment, medical instruments, scientific instruments, durable goods, textiles, foodstuff, crafts, transportation, communication, agricultural equipment. Ease of doing business 31st.

Exports $353 billion in petroleum, petroleum products, natural gas, metals, wood and wood products, chemicals military and manufacturing goods sold to EU 45.8%, China 9.8%, Belarus 4.9%, Turkey 4.8%, South Korea 3.5% others 31.2%.

Imports $238 billion in machinery, vehicles, pharmaceuticals, plastics, semi-finished metal products, meat, fruits, nuts, optical and medical instruments, iron and steel from EU 38.2%, China 20.9%, US 6.1%, Belarus 5.2%; Japan 3.7%, others 26%.

Government revenue $258.6 billion, spending $281.4 billion. Debt to GDP 10.6%. External debt $539.6 billion.


Comments

President Putin held a “town hall” meeting and fielded questions from citizens in person and by skype. It aired on CSPAN in the US. He did well. I think his focus on economic development is correct.  He took flack for past problems, acknowledged them and I think answered them correctly. His support of the open internet demonstrated his willingness to deal with opposition propaganda to protect free speech and free access.

Putin inherited a post-cold war Russia. He was appointed Prime Minister by President Boris Yeltsin in 1999 and has been re-elected to lead as PM and President for the past 19 years. His task has been to convert Russia to a market economy. The EU is his largest export partner with 45.8%.

This blogs has high readership in Russia. I think Russia has potential and needs to expand its private sector economy through individual effort and process improvement. I am encouraged.


Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader


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