Population: 143.4 million Territory: 17,075,200 sq. km. GDP in 2007: 942.3 billion EUR Russia - one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. Russia ended 2007 with its ninth straight year of growth, averaging 7% annually since 1998. In May 2008 the new Russian president and government began their work. Political continuity and continuity in economic policies are almost certain. Due to deterioration of global conditions, forecasts for real GDP growth have lowered from 6.6% to 6.0% YOY in 2009, but so far the global liquidity crisis has had little impact Russia's economy.
Following overall economic growth the Russian travel market has been on the rise. More than 34 million Russians travelled abroad in 2007 (18% increase). Leisure traffic grew by 21%. This resulted in major travel companies in Russia experiencing significant growth in 2007. The total gross revenue of the 50 biggest Russian tour operators almost tripled as compared with 2006.
