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             CIS
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Area (Sq. Km): 22,402,090
               75% in Asia

Population: 288,239,000

Capital: Minsk

Language:
Russian

Religion:
Orthodox 32%
Muslim 11%
Protestant 3%
Roman Catholic 2%

Government Type:
Independent republics

Currency: Rouble

Embassy:
(see independent republics)
13 Kensington Palace Gardens
London
W8 4QK
0171-229-3628

11 former members of the USSR
have now joined together as
the CIS. Some have already
changed their names and others
can be expected to follow in
the near future. The old name
is shown in brackets.

See separate listings for the
republics:

Armenia
Azerbaijan
Belarus (Byelorussia)
Kazakhstan
Kyrgyzstan (Kirgizia)
Moldova (Moldavia)
Russia
Tajikistan (Tadzikistan)
Turkmenistan
Ukraine
Uzbekistan

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Foreign Office Advice:

Armenia:

Despite a six-month ceasefire,
the border areas with
Azerbaijan should still be
avoided owing to the
unresolved conflict over
Nagorny Karabakh. Travel at
night outside the capital
Yerevan should be avoided if
possible.

Moldova:

Non-essential visits to
Transdniestria should be
avoided, as this region is not
under government control, and
the security situation is
unpredictable.

Russia has temporarily closed
its borders with Georgia and
Azerbaijan suspending all
flights, road and sea traffic
between the North Caucasus and
Georgia/Azerbaijan.

Customs:

On arrival, visitors should
declare all foreign currency
and valuables.

Internal Air Travel:

Cancellations, delays and
passenger overloading are
frequent in some
countries of the CIS,
particularly in the
Transcaucasus. It is unknown
if maintenance procedures are
always properly observed. For
safety travellers are advised
to fly directly to their
destinations on a flight
originating outside the CIS.

Crime:

Incidents of mugging, theft
and pickpocketing are
increasing. Expensive items
should be kept out of sight.
Visitors should take
reasonable precautions to
ensure their safety.

It is safe to use officially
marked taxis which should NOT
be shared with strangers. When
travelling by train valuables
should be stored safely and
the compartment should not be
left unattended. Make sure the
door is secure from the inside
by tying it closed with wire
or a strong cord.

For more information ring:

 Foreign Office Travel Unit

       0171-270-4129