This title is suitable for people of ages 7 to 14 years. This revised edition takes a fresh look at this country's transformation over the past century. Russia's recent economic growth has had an impact on the environment and on the ways of life of its peoples. New topics include: the efforts to keep Lake Baikal, a cultural and geographical landmark, clean in an environment threatened by pollution, and the new Russian space program which earns money from space tourism. Other topics include: Russia's diverse peoples; from czars to the Soviet Union to a post-communist state; farming, fishing, and a changing economy; and, plants and animals that live in the harsh climate.