Central Asia

Russia’s Language Could Be Ticket in for Migrants

Will Russian immigration quotas affect its popularity?

November 28, 2008

This year, the Russian Federal Migration Service reduced the quota of foreign laborers who can enter the country. Gallup finds positive attitudes toward learning the Russian language correlate with countries that have a high number of their residents temporarily working in Russia.More ...

Fear Hampers Free Speech in Former Soviet Nations

Perception that many are afraid to voice political views rose in 2007

June 9, 2008

In many former Soviet republics, residents were more likely in 2007 than 2006 to say most or many people in their country are afraid to openly express their political views.More ...

Former Soviet Populations Value Democracy

But many are dissatisfied with the way it works in their country

May 1, 2008

Majorities in each of six former Soviet republics, ranging from 58% to 78%, say democracy is important to their country’s development. But those who value democracy are in most cases unlikely to feel it is working well in their country.More ...

Democracy Important to a Majority of Belarusians

Nearly half say an active political opposition is also important

April 4, 2008

A majority (60%) of Belarusians say democracy is important to the development of their country; of those, 25% are “somewhat” or “very” dissatisfied with the way democracy works in their country.More ...

Low Well-Being Linked With Low Per-Capita GDP

Populations express hope for future

October 23, 2007

The countries with the lowest subjective well-being span many regions of the world but have one thing in common -- low per-capita GDP.More ...

Hardships Still Common in Former Soviet Nations

Many citizens say aspects of life are worse now than under the Soviet Union

September 19, 2007

More than 15 years after the fall of the Soviet Union, people living in its successor states are likely to say key aspects of life are worse now than before 1991. Many report higher costs for housing, healthcare, and education, while few report increases in quality.More ...

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