ИСТИНА

The economic growth in large developing countries (China, India, Brazil, Mexico, etc.), based on the interaction with other countries (trade, technology transfer and migration), in theory and in practice is accompanied by a sharp increase in regional differentiation. Regions-exporters, as well as regions with an advantageous geographical position (border and coastal regions) have higher rates of growth, and they eventually achieve higher levels of development. In Russia, the 2000s was a period of rapid economic growth, based on export of raw materials, food and weapons. The growth increased regional disparities, but unlike many developing countries, an effective system of inter-regional equalization was established in Russia due to the tax and budget reforms. The purpose of the paper was to identify the main factors of economic development of the Russian regions, especially in international context.