Demographics

After over 200 years of Mongol domination the Principality of Muscovy was founded in the 12th century. It began absorbing territory across Siberia to the Pacific and to the Baltic Sea. Under the rule of Peter I (1682-1725) the country was renamed the Russian Empire. During the 19th century, territory in Europe and Asia was acquired. In 1917 the imperial household was overthrown and the Communists under Vladimir Lenin seized power, soon after and formed the USSR. In 1985-91 General Secreta