Thirty-four years ago today, on September 9, 1991 (August 2, 1991), 11 republics of the Soviet Union declared their independence. There are 15 republics in the Soviet Union. As of September 9, 1991, 11 republics have declared their independence. Among them, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia have been recognized by various countries and joined the United Nations. The other 8 republics are Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. The Russian Federation covers an area of 17.075 million square kilometers and has a population of 148.10 million. The capital, Moscow, has 16 autonomous republics, 5 autonomous regions, 10 autonomous regions and 49 regions. Its area accounts for 76% of the whole Soviet Union, the population exceeds 50% of the total population of the whole Soviet Union, and the industrial and agricultural output value accounts for about 2/3 and 1/2 of the whole Soviet Union respectively. Founded on November 7, 1917, and joined the Soviet Union on December 30, 1922. Ukraine covers an area of 603,700 square kilometers, has a population of 51.80 million, and the capital, Kiev. It is the second largest union republic. Founded on December 25, 1917, and joined the Soviet Union on December 30, 1922. Ukraine's economy is relatively developed, the output value of industry and agriculture accounts for 20% of the whole Soviet Union, and the grain production accounts for 1/4 of the whole Soviet Union. It is known as the "Soviet grain warehouse". Belarus covers an area of 207,600 square kilometers, has a population of 10.25 million, and the capital, Minsk. Founded on January 1, 1919, and joined the Soviet Union on December 30 Estonia covers an area of 45,100 square kilometers, has a population of 1.58 million, and its capital is Tallinn. Estonia was incorporated into Russia in the early 18th century. It declared independence in February 1918. The Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic was established on July 21, 1940, and joined the Soviet Union on August 6. Latvia covers an area of 63,700 square kilometers, has a population of 2.69 million, and its capital is Riga. Latvia was incorporated into Russia in the 18th century. It declared independence in November 1918. A provisional Soviet government was established in December. The Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic was established on July 21, 1940. It joined the Soviet Union on August 5. Lithuania covers an area of 65,200 square kilometers, has a population of 3.72 million, and its capital is Vilnius. Lithuania was incorporated into Russia at the end of the 18th century. Independence in 1919 established the Republic of Lithuania. The Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic was established on July 21, 1940 and joined the Soviet Union on August 3. Moldova covers an area of 33,700 square kilometers, has a population of 4.39 million, and its capital, Kishniov. The Autonomous Republic of Moldova was established in 1924, when it was part of the Republic of Ukraine. It was upgraded to a union republic and joined the Soviet Union in August 1940.