41.   The former Soviet republic remains plagued by strikes and other protests by unpaid workers, even as the government struggles to get the economy in order.

42.   The former Soviet republic remains restive despite a peace agreement signed by the government and the main Islamic opposition groups in June to end a long civil war.

43.   The Kremlin insists the republic remain part of Russia, but is willing to let the question wait until after elections in the fall.

44.   The Kremlin insists the republic remain part of Russia, but is willing to let the question be considered after elections in the fall.

45.   The Kremlin insists the Muslim republic remains a part of Russia, and no country has recognized Chechnya as independent.

46.   The Kremlin insists the republic remain part of Russia but is willing to let the question wait until after fall elections in Chechnya.

47.   The separatists want independence, while the Russians insist the republic must remain part of Russia.

48.   The rebel republic remains plagued by ransom-motivated kidnappings despite a peace treaty with Russia that ended a two-year war with Moscow last year.

49.   The rebels want independence, while Moscow insists the republic must remain part of Russia.

50.   The republic remains restive despite a peace agreement signed by the government and the main Islamic opposition groups in June to end a long civil war.