Russia. The Economy of Russia. Russia was the most populous state of the former USSR and also the wealthiest one. It produced 78 per cent of all its natural gas, 60 per cent of steel, 80 per cent of timber and 91 per cent of oil.
It also has one of the world’s largest fishing indu¬stries.
The history of Russian industry goes back to the middle of the seventeenth century. The develop¬ment of new industries and crafts — metal working. textiles, brick making and china manufacture — was encouraged under Peter the Great. During the reign of Catherine the Great, the Urals became the focus for iron industry, and Russia became the world’s largest iron producer.
2.ответьте на вопросы по прочитанному тексту.
1. What was the economical position of Russia in the former USSR?
2. What industries and crafts were encouraged in Russia under Peter the Great?
3. What do you know about Russian economy in the second part of the 19th century?