The communist system fell in Russia in 1991.
Even before 1991 it was legal for people to start private companies and co-operatives.
Falling of the values of capitalism and a market economy helped young entrepreneurs to emerge in the mid-1990s.
Russia’s vast state oil and mining companies were sold off
and many young entrepreneurs took the opportunity to start successful businesses.
These companies have now expanded into other areas of industry, such as banking, retail and other areas.
At the same time, the number of smaller businesses has increased dramatically.
More money has been coming into the economy.
The devaluation of the rouble after the 1998 economic crisis actually helped to promote a mini-boom.
Imports became too expensive for the average Russian, so local production increased.
As a result, a new middle class has emerged with money to spend on consumer goods.
International companies have also been investing in Russia since the fall of communism.
Political pluralism, a large number of political parties, ideological diversity, freedom of expression, freedom of thought and speech emerged in Russia after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Major political parties began to emerge at that time.
They still exist today.