The number of second-level domains is growing on the analogy of Russian users. As of June 2004 the Russian weekly Internet audience totaled 5.9 million people, which is 1.4 million more than last year's level. The average number of Russian Internet users is growing by 30% a year. In January - June of 2004 the amount of second-level domains grew by 19.82% (against 16.02% in the first half of 2003) and totaled 256,356 domains on July 1, 2004, according to the Russian research institute of public nets development.
Patriotism is typical of Russians registering their domain names. Compatriots choose RU domain for their web sites. 97% second-level domains were registered in RU domain by Russian nationals and organizations. Only 3% belong to non-residents but they are used for resources mean for the Russian market. Meanwhile, Russians registered only 27,000 names in COM domain.
