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[[Category:Nations]]
[[Category:Europe]]
[[Category:Eastern Europe]]
* '''Population:''' 1.5 million
* '''Aspects:''' Stable, Very Free, Fourth Wave
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the small
Kaliningrad oblast was cut off from the rest of [[Russia]]
by the newly independent state of [[Lithuania]]. At first
Russia went to considerable trouble to retain the region,
which was a major military center and one of the country’s
few remaining Baltic ports. However, during the turbulent
2050s Kaliningrad chose to press for almost complete
autonomy. Independence was gained in 2073 after a long
but amicable process of negotiation. It officially adopted its
older pre-Soviet name, Königsberg, for the new microstate,
while retaining Kaliningrad as the name of the city itself.
The distinction is lost on many residents.

Today, it stands astride two worlds. It is closely tied
to the [[European Union]], although it is not a member. It is
the westernmost outpost of Russian culture in Europe, and
maintains good relations with Moscow. Since independence,
it has parleyed its
strategic position into a new
role as major trade center. It
is also the eastern headquarters
of the [[Genetic Regulatory Agency]] (the western
headquarters is Geneva),
making it a key player in
global biotech policy.

Kaliningrad is one of
the fastest-growing cities in
Europe, accepting immigrants
from all over the
world. Construction of new
buildings and residential districts
is going on at a frantic
pace. The city has a reputation
as a place where fortunes
can quickly be made
(or lost). Local organized crime
is currently quite powerful, giving society a risky, slightly
corrupt flavor.