Singapore

WHEN one thinks of Russia, typical images that pop up are likely to be those of KGB agents reminiscent of a James Bond movie and murky fortunes that can buy influence over democracy and undermine the rule of law.

But that is just one facet of life in a very diverse country, which extends across the whole of northern Asia and the eastern third of Europe, spanning 11 time zones, and home to more than 140 million people.