Has anyone lived in russia?

Question

Why are so many people dying their? are their a lot of poor people living their? and do a lot of russians have aids?
Birth rate:
9.8 births / 1,000 population (2005 est.)

Death rate:
14.52 deaths / 1,000 population (2005 est.)

Answer 1

I lived in Russia for a few months.

It's today is not poverty striken. Stores aren't empty and people aren't going hungry because of lack of food. I'm afraid that idea of Russia is old and outdated one. It's capitalist country, just like America, and a lot of it is overwhelmingly (and nauseatingly) capitalistic and glamorous. If you're out at any night club or even around Red Square, you'll notice the money. There are a wealth of western-style restaurants, designer clothings shops, ect. My boyfriend lives in Moscow. He's not rich but seems to live better there that I do here, in America. He makes enough to have (too many) computers and other electronics, and all the sort of things the west is used to having. He can even afford to take trips to England or Turkey when he's on vacation. Of course, just as in major cities, you see homeless people and beggars. There is a difference though: in America, you often see beggars who seem that they might be able to hold a job. In Russia, it's different. Their beggars are often because they are truly desperate. Their beggars are limbless people or old women who are pensioners and don't receive enough money to survive on. It's really sad and this part of Russia is what we (America) often like to focus on.

It's great that you're asking about Russia! Many people just have their outdated ideas about it without asking or doing research as you're doing! Keep learning! Learn about it though natives! You'll learn that things are bad and there are poor people but not to the extent of the typical American impression of Russia. Check out my blog that I had when I was there, too. I don't have too many photos but you can get at least some idea of what life was like there. http://nominals.livejournal.com/ (Funny, because I posted a photo of a beggar but I was in the center of the city and beggars are the norm in all cities, aren't they?)

Anyway, the point I'm trying to make is that Russia is not as scary and as poor as it's often painted to be. It's far from perfect, of course, but it is just not the way that it is so often painted in the minds of Americans! If it was so awful, I wouldn't have not gone back for a second visit and I wouldn't have made the decision to move back to teach in a few months.

Answer 2

There are a lot of poor in Russia and a lot of rich. Because it's such a young 'democracy' (i use that word lightly), the social divide is huge and corruption, while exaggerated in the western Press is certainly alive and kicking.

HIV and AIDS is on the increase. I don't know the exact numbers but it's a serious growing problem.

The inequality in birth and death rates is down to lots of things. Alcohol is a big problem among Russian men. They lead a very unhealthy lifestyle and die very young compared to in the west (around 54 i think). There is also a depression problem among Russian men (stemming often from the alcohol) and a general unwillingness to commit to marriage and kids. Childless marriages are on the increase and the divorce rate is rising. Very many Russians marry young and get divorced after a couple of years.

I have to say though, Russia is a beautiful country. The people are truly fabulous. Please don't think of them as unpleasant, unhappy people living in an unpleasant, unhappy country. That couldn't be further from the truth.

Answer 3

My friend lived in St Petersburg for six years where he taught English, married a Russian and played in a rock band. He lked it there, but then he's more adaptable than most people. He agrees that corruption is out of control and it's making more people wish they still had communism. Lacking that, Putin is very popular because his iron fist seems to be what's needed to keep the gangsters from taking over completely. I'm sure the Chechyens would disagree, however.

Answer 4

hi, I now that in Russia is basically too chilly. The international locations that conflict from Soviet Union, Bulgaria, Greece , Macedonia and Serbia....all this human beings have the right to flow and stay in Russia. And take a Russian passport. i comprehend that the human beings in Moscow are chilly, yet are available in Skopje , Macedonia...it really is the same element. it really is extra valuable if you're negative. I do love Russia.

Answer 5

I live in Russia and I like it

Answer 6

the government is unstable i believe...
a lot of people are starving, they have poor access to health care, cold weather....a lot of factors affect their living situation

Answer 7

i am from russkia, from moscow and it was good, at least i live with normal people.

Answer 8

why dont you ask Putin? he will send some polonium-210 for you.

Answer 9

my next door neighbors are russian!