Russia is the largest country in the world, spanning two continents and 11 time zones and bordering three oceans, with a population of more than 143 million people. This book considers the dramatic changes in Russia's political system, from monarchy through communism to democracy. It looks at how the present government is structured and at the role of the president, the most powerful person in the country, and asks what the key challenges are for Russia today, both nationally and internationally.