Russia's population distribution is strongly influenced by ...

a. the demands of world trade.

b. its ethnic and religious diversity.

c. the Pacific Ocean.

d. its physical environment.

Russia's population distribution is strongly influenced by its physical environment.

Explanation:

Russia is area-wise the largest country in the world with a tremendous east-west expanse. Thus, it houses a diverse physical environment which ultimately governs the distribution of population in the country. Most of Russia's population is concentrated on its western side, and the regions in the east, though they are closer to highly developed countries like Japan, South Korea, and the United States, are scarcely populated owing to relatively absurd climatic conditions, featureless terrains and least availability of essential resources in the eastern part of Russia.