Russia, the largest country in the world by land area, is located in Eastern Europe and northern Asia. It is a major global power with significant influence in international politics and economics.

Geography

• Location: Eastern Europe and Northern Asia
• Coordinates: Approximately 61.5240° N, 105.3188° E
• Area: About 17,098,242 square kilometers.
• Borders:
  • North: Arctic Ocean
  • South: Mongolia (3,452 kilometers), China (4,133 kilometers), Kazakhstan (7,591 kilometers), Ukraine (1,944 kilometers), and Georgia (894 kilometers)
  • East: Pacific Ocean
  • West: Baltic Sea, Belarus (1,312 kilometers), and Finland (1,309 kilometers)
• Climate:
  • Ranges from Arctic in the north, to temperate in the central regions, to subtropical in the southern areas.
• Topography:
  • Includes vast plains, mountain ranges like the Ural and Caucasus, and extensive tundra and taiga.
• Elevation:
  • The highest peak is Mount Elbrus in the Caucasus Mountains, with an elevation of 5,642 meters.
• Natural Resources:
  • Includes oil, natural gas, coal, precious metals, and timber.
• Land Use:
  • Approximately 10% arable land, 45% forests, 45% other uses.
• Population Distribution:
  • Population is concentrated in the western part of the country, especially in major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Population and Society

• Population: Approximately 146 million (2024 estimate).
• Ethnic Groups:
  • Predominantly Russian (81%), with significant minorities including Tatar (3%), Ukrainian (1.4%), and others.
• Languages:
  • Russian is the official language; minority languages include Tatar, Bashkir, Chechen, and others.
• Religions:
  • Russian Orthodox Christianity (about 70%), with minority groups including Muslims, Buddhists, and Jews.
• Age Structure:
  • Features a declining birth rate and a growing elderly population.
• Population Growth Rate:
  • Approximately -0.2% annually (declining population).

Country

• Country Name: Russian Federation
• Common Name: Russia
• Reason for Name: Named after the historic region of Rus’.
• Type of Government: Federal Semi-Presidential Republic.
• Capital: Moscow
• Reason for Naming Capital: Moscow has been the political and economic center of Russia since the 15th century.
• Local Time: Russia spans multiple time zones, from UTC+2 to UTC+12.
• Daylight Saving Time: Not observed.
• Administrative Divisions: 85 federal subjects, including oblasts, republics, and territories.
• Territories: Includes various autonomous regions.
• Independence: Gained from the Soviet Union on December 26, 1991.
• Citizenship Acquisition: By birth, descent, or naturalization.
• Legal System: Civil law system.
• Executive Branch: The President is the head of state, and the Prime Minister is the head of government.
• Legislative Branch: The Federal Assembly, consisting of the Federation Council and the State Duma.
• Judicial Branch: Includes the Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court.
• Political Parties: United Russia, Communist Party, Liberal Democratic Party, Just Russia, and others.
• Flag Description: Consists of three horizontal stripes: white on the top, blue in the middle, and red on the bottom.
• Country Code: RUS

Economy

• GDP: Approximately $1.8 trillion USD.
• Agricultural and Animal Products: Grains, potatoes, vegetables, meat, and dairy products.
• Industries: Includes oil and gas extraction, manufacturing, defense, and mining.
• Budget: Balanced with occasional budget surpluses.
• Exports: Oil, natural gas, metals, and machinery.
• Imports: Machinery, vehicles, pharmaceuticals, and foodstuffs.
• Foreign Reserves: About $580 billion USD.
• External Debt: Around $500 billion USD.
• Local Currency: Russian Ruble (RUB).

Communications

• Landlines: About 39 million lines.
• Mobile Lines: Approximately 230 million lines.
• Country Code: +7
• Broadcast Media: Includes state-run and private television and radio channels.
• Internet Code: .ru
• Internet Users: About 130 million people.

Transportation

• National Air Transport System: Extensive network of airports and airlines.
• Airports: Over 1,200 airports.
• Helipads: Numerous, primarily in urban areas.
• Pipelines: Extensive network for oil and gas transport.
• Railroads: Extensive network of over 87,000 kilometers.
• Road Network: Includes major highways totaling around 1.3 million kilometers.
• Ports: Major ports include St. Petersburg, Novorossiysk, and Vladivostok.

Military

• Military Composition: Includes the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Aerospace Forces.
• Military Spending: Approximately $70 billion USD annually.
• Military and Security Personnel: About 1 million active duty members.
• Military Equipment: Includes advanced fighter jets, tanks, and submarines.
• Military Service Age: From 18 years old, with conscription.