Russia - Rob Bowden

The World in Focus series provides an up-to-date view of individual countries around the world. Including discussion of the major challenges facing each country now and in the future. This book gives a real insight into life in Russia, the world's largest country. Its vast size means it includes a wide range of landscapes and experiences several different climates. Its population includes a diversity of ethnic groups, with more than 100 spoken languages. It is a powerful country, possessing great natural wealth, including gas, oil, coal and minerals. As one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, Russia also occupies a prominent position in world politics. Russia's history is one of the most complex of any country in the world.

Rob Bowden is a development geographer who has taught international Environment and Development courses at the universities of Sussex and Brighton. He specialises in African issues and has written several children's books about the region. As well as writing, he runs an educational resourcing and consultancy company. He is a keen photographer and some of his images are used in his books. In 1999 his book 'Journey Through Africa' was highly commended by the Geographical Association and he has also been commended for his great contribution to education.