Russia's destabilisation of Ukraine is the most serious threat to the country since the second world war. A second threat to stability is linked to probable resistance to tackling the corrupt practices of powerful business interests.
A new IMF programme aims to stabilise the currency and public finances, but tight policy will exacerbate the recession and could undermine the government's Westernising agenda.
Another deep contraction in real GDP is forecast in 2015, of 6.5%, owing to fiscal tightening, weak domestic demand, continued supply disruption and very high inflation. This follows an economic fall of around 6% in 2014.

Highlights 7

Political outlook 8

Democracy index 9

Economic policy outlook 11

Economic forecast 12

Annual data and forecast 16

Quarterly data 17

Monthly data 18

Annual trends charts 20

Monthly trends charts 21

Comparative economic indicators 22

Basic data 23

Political structure 24

Politics 25

Economy 40

中国科学技术信息研究所