Such national traits can make up for other demographic shortcomings, such as Australia's relatively small population, or the low per capita income of a developing nation, such as China, which has invested heavily in its national sports programs.

WSJ: The U.S. Should Clobber the World in London

One of Italy's most distinguished sociologists, Professor Franco Ferrarotti, of Rome University, believes the character was reflective of national Italian traits.

BBC: Benigni pulls the strings

Regardless of any anti-democratic traits in Russian national character, people are just tired of being ruled by the same guy for 12 years.

FORBES: Chart for the Day - Russian GDP from 2006-2011