I've heard differentiating reports on the state of Russia as far as modernity and technological advancements in everyday life for the everyday citizen goes. Could someone please supply a good answer with good basis?
I've traveled to Russia on three occasions in the last couple of years. My observations we influenced by traveling in Russia's largest cities, living in a medium sized city, and living in a small village in one of Russia's smaller republics. I've stayed at the homes of millionaires, but more commonly with the more average folk. So my observations are based on what I have seen and experienced rather than real numbers or statistics of which I don't know.
The majority of the Russian population lives in the large cities. Just within the last 10 years the cities have seen large growth and investment despite an overall declining population. New stores are scattered through the cities. Where such a degree of commerce is relatively new to Russia, it is very common to see small stores or restaurants in the lower level of apartment buildings. "Western" products from food to cosmetics and electronics are still relatively new to even the cities. The largest cities such as Moscow and St. Petersburg have seen this growth the most of for the longest time. However the smaller cities are rapidly catching on.
In the cities I would say that the majority of the people have TV sets, and many would have microwaves and perhaps a few other appliances. Personal Computers are still very uncommon. Apartments are small and often very crowded, but the cities are seeing a lot of new construction and new apartments. The far majority of people living in or near the city live in apartment buildings. Suburban type homes in or around the cities are uncommon.
Government funding seems to remain insufficient for the likes of schools, universities, hospitals, and roads. The privatized sectors seem to be seeing the most advancement and growth. Hospitals from what I saw are still frightfully behind. Many schools still lack reliable toilets. Computers in schools are becoming more common place, however privately owned computer clubs and internet cafes are much more advanced. More and more people are able to afford cars, though Russia's very thorough public transportation still rules throughout the entire country.
The villages are far behind the cities. Most people still have outhouses and plumbing is limited. Most people even in the village will have a TV set. Most people raise animals and tend gardens and small plots of land which are still commonly plowed by horse.
Russia overall still has a good sized gap between the rich and the poor. However the gap is shrinking and more people are moving up to middle class. The economy has had consistent growth and the wealth is slowly spreading to all classes.