Ages 9 to 14 years. After being ruled by the czars for five hundred years, Russia experienced its most dramatic changes only in the past century. The largest country in the world is vividly portrayed from its history and many peoples to its wintry landscape and changing economy. Topics include: the largest country in the world; Russia's diverse peoples; plants, animals, and beautiful Lake Baikal; from czars to the Soviet Union; life in the city; farming, fishing, and a changing economy; transportation and Russians in space.