The country

Why do we say "sales in the UK were .............." but not "sales in the Russia were ........."?
Is there are rule for using "the country" other than it sounding right?

[David L.]

Why do we say "sales in the UK were .............." but not "sales in the Russia were ........

Because we are actually saying, in abbreviated form:
"Sales in the United Kingdom (of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) were .............."
compare:
"Sales in Britain have doubled..."
"Sales in England/France/Italy..."

"Sales in Russia were ........"
compare
"Sales in the Russian Republic were..."

"Sales in the U.S./U.S.A. were..."
"Sales in the States have..."
because we are saying 'in the United States of America."

"Sales in the Philippines were..."
The Republic of the Philippines -(also, in many people's minds, they are referring to 'the Philippine Islands' - that is, in short, the Philippines

[SUDHKAMP]

I wish to ask whether you are referring to sales (figures) or the total figure of cumulative sales figures or transactions.

[David L.]

Do you mean:
"Sales of Mazda cars in the UK..."
compare:
"Sales figures for the UK were..."