With the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia became the largest former Soviet country. Boris Yeltsin took over as ruler and until 2000 worked to enact economic reform, fix social problems and build democracy in Russia. These have been difficult processes in Russia. Economic problems have left many people in poverty. The health of many Russians has declined as people now either pay for health care or are forced to use an inadequate government based system. Environmental problems are also a factor. Throughout the Soviet period the environment was abused. Environmental protection is just now becoming important in Russia. Building democracy has also been difficult in Russia. Yeltsin did not always follow democratic procedures and many have lost faith in the democratic and capitalist systems. Yeltsin resigned and on March 26, 2000 Vladimir Putin was elected the new Prime Minister.