Russians proud of history, displeased with living standards: pollJuly 29, 2013 - 16:59 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russians take pride in their history most of all, while the country's living standards remain a main cause of national embarrassment, a new survey by state-run pollster VTsIOM showed, according to RIA Novosti. 85 percent of those polled were proud of the country’s history, said the poll released Monday, July 29. 11 percent took no pride in Russia’s past, and 4 percent were undecided. Other reasons Russians are proud of their nation are the achievements of the country's athletes (77 percent), arts and culture (75 percent), military power (63 percent) and scientists (60 percent). The nation appeared split on the question of Russia’s place in international affairs, with half of respondents seeing it as a thing to be proud of, 35 percent disagreeing and 15 percent having no set opinion. Living standards, however, were no cause for ambivalence: only 14 percent were proud of the quality of life in Russia, while 80 percent felt the opposite. The nationwide poll, held mid-June, covered 1,600 respondents and had a margin of error of 3.4 percentage points. It offered respondents seven optional sources of pride to choose from, down from 16 in a similar poll in 2010, when Russia’s past was also the most popular answer, picked by 47 percent of respondents. VTsIOM held a similar survey on Russia Day on June 12, when it asked respondents about Russia’s achievements over the past 15 years that they felt proud about. Forty-two percent said there were none. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | “By Your Side”: IDBank's new support program for displaced Artsakh citizens IDBank is launching a long-term social support program for forcibly displaced Artsakh residents. The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. |