USSR

The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, USSR, or Soviet Union was a transcontinental country spanning across Eurasia, which esisted from 1922 to 1991. Since then it has been divided into several separate countries, the largest of which is Russia, plus other states such as Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia (now EU member states) and Bielorus, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and others.

The capital of the USSR was Moscow. Other major cities included Lenningrad (now Saint Petersburg), Minsk, Kiev, Volgograd, Tashkent. It was a one-party state governed by the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, and was also the largest country in the world, covering over 22,402,200 square kilometres and spanning eleven time zones.

The main official language was Russian.

The USSR was officially dissolved on 26 December 1991. Its last President Mikhail Gorbachev had delivered a moving televised speech on Christmas Day, resigning as president of the Soviet Union. The Soviet flag over the Kremlin was then lowered for the final time.

Soviets in pop culture
Persons listed were either born or were active in their field in the Soviet Union. For those born after 1991, see Russia.

Eurovision Song Contest
The USSR did not participate in the ESC although was involved in some Eurovision programmes.

Sporting events
since 1964
 * 1980 Olympic Games - Moscow

Other TV shows
links to external sites where available
 * Russia: Beneath the Sputniks (BBC One, 1967
 * The Other Russias (BBC One, 1967)
 * The Red Army Ensemble of Moscow (BBC One, 1970 - This 100-strong ensemble in Britain for the first time presents a vivacious and exciting show 8Congress Theatre, Eastbourne)