This chapter provides all basic political, economic, and demographic data on a territorial unit of the Russian Federation, Leningrad Oblast, which is located in Russia’s northwest. It borders the Republic of Karelia; Vologda, Novgorod, and Pskov oblasts; and Estonia and Finland. Leningrad Oblast has close commercial ties with over 20 foreign countries, including Finland, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, and the United States. Foreign trade is made possible by two sea and two river harbors whose total capacity exceeds 7.5 million tons annually. Valerii Serdyukov was elected governor of Leningrad Oblast on 19 September 1999 after having served as the region’s acting governor for a year. Whoever rules Leningrad Oblast faces significant challenges. The oblast is effectively bankrupt and had a 50 percent budget deficit in 1998. Leningrad Oblast elected its legislative assembly in December 1997.