The crisis, rising prices and the difficult economic situation in the country have been the most significant event of 2016 for 40% of Russians, according to a survey conducted by the research holding Romir.
In comparison with 2015, the crisis and the devaluation of the ruble were marked as the main events only by 9% of respondents.
The doping scandal and the suspension of the Russian athletes were remembered by 21%, while the Olympic Games in Rio was named by only 10%.
The military operation in Syria, and the fight against ISIS attracted interest from 20% of compatriots.
It is interesting that such positive developments as the restoration of relations with Turkey (4%) and the Duma elections (2%) remained almost unnoticed for the Russians.
Donald Trump's election as the new US president was named the main global event of the year by Russian citizens (36%).
According to 6% of respondents, the decline in oil prices during the year was an important event. According to 2% of respondents - Zika virus. The earthquake in Italy and the removal of sanctions against Iran were mentioned only by 1% of respondents.
For our fellow citizens the crisis can rightly be considered the symbol of 2016 - the economic difficulties overshadowed all the other events, both domestically and abroad.
A professor at the department of the stock market and investments at the Higher School of Economics, Alexander Abramov, in turn, explained the opinion of Russians by the objective decline in their income over the past two years. "The decline in real income has continued, a total of about 16%. Such serious things as declining wages and employment problems are still observed in most areas. The lack of a clear understanding of the economic outlook is also important," the economist pointed out.
At the same time, according to him, in 2017 will be more positive in economic terms. "Everybody expects interest rate cuts, which means that loans become more affordable. Of course, the situation will not change radically, but it will become easier to live," Alexander Abramov concluded.