Suchergebnisse

The development of Siberia since 1968 is examined, based on an earlier work ('Siberien Heute and Morgen' [Siberia Today and Tomorrow], Osteuropa, 1968, 7, 534-545). Exact figures concerning the economic situation in that area are difficult to acquire because the export of periodicals published between the Urals & the Pacific is still forbidden. Siberia's development is greatly hindered by the lack of transportation, unfriendly climate, & the shortage of conveniences for workers. Wood & furs, traditionally important Siberian products, are still significant, although there are often complaints about the poor quality of the wood. Fur is now obtained from animals raised on farms. Cooperation with Japan on many projects has become common, although Japan is selective about the projects it is willing to undertake. Population growth in the region is lower than the national (mean-average) & it is difficult to attract new inhabitants. Monetary incentives offered by the Soviet government are insufficient to cover the increased cost of living in Siberia & cannot compensate for the lack of the amenities that are available in the European part of the USSR. The majority of the region's inhabitants are not native to the area & hence contribute to the breakdown of indigenous cultures. J. Shiffer.

A study of industry, energy production, & transportation in Siberia from 1968-1974. The region's natural resources & energy potential are of great importance to the USSR (coal is a major fuel found in the area) & further expansion of production is intended in the future, partially with help from the Japanese. While there are no official published figures on the oil reserves in Tjumen in West Siberia, it is evident that they are substantial, as is the case with natural gas. About 80% of the hydroelectric resources of the USSR are in Siberia. Gold, nickel, & tin are also found in large quantities, although the present exploitation of gold has been somewhat disappointing. Further, the world's largest aluminum factory is located in Bratsk. The manufacture of iron & heavy machinery, however, is lagging. The area's industrial expansion is hampered by a transportation network that is unable to cope with the needs. Completion of the Baikal-Amur railway will help alleviate the problem to some extent. P. Tiersma.