Why do some compare Russia of the 1990s to a Third World country (and some apply the same analogy to today's Russia)?

• Because foreign investment in Russia remains abysmally low
• Because endemic corruption continues to cripple economic activity
• Because too large a share of Russia's economy depends the sale of oil and other natural resources
• Because the country's economic infrastructure (factories, equipment, transport, utilities, buildings, etc.) are significantly outdated and crumbling.

In his first inaugural address to the nation in March 2000, President Putin identified what crisis as the greatest threat facing the nation?

1. Economic crisis
2. Demographic crisis
3. Political crisis
4. Crisis of national security