Russia
Russia, officially the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country spanning eastern Europe and northern Asia.
Russia, officially the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country spanning eastern Europe and northern Asia. It is the largest country in the world by land area and became an independent state after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in December 1991.
Geography
Russia covers a vast territory across Europe and Asia, with landscapes ranging from forests and steppes to tundra and deserts. It spans multiple time zones and has borders with 14 countries.
History
The modern Russian Federation emerged in 1991 after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Earlier state formation and expansion are tied to the Principality of Muscovy, the Russian Empire, and the Soviet period.
Government and politics
Russia is a federation with a president as head of state and Moscow as the centre of national government. Contemporary descriptions identify it as a semi-presidential republic.
Population and language
Russia has a population of roughly 144 million and Russian is the official language. It is the most populous country in Europe.
Key facts
- Russia is the world’s largest country by area, spanning 17,075,200 square kilometres.
- It became independent in December 1991 after the Soviet Union dissolved.
- Moscow is the capital and largest city.
- Russia borders 14 countries and has coastlines on the Arctic, Atlantic, and Pacific oceans.
- The country is a federation with a president as head of state.
Russia is relevant to Canadian readers because it is the world’s largest country and a major Arctic state with geopolitical, economic, and security significance in the northern hemisphere; Britannica also notes Russia is nearly twice the territory of Canada.[1]
Frequently asked questions
What is Russia’s official name?
What is the capital of Russia?
When did Russia become independent?
How large is Russia?
What language is official in Russia?
References
- Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/RussiaSupports: Largest country by area; spans Europe and Asia; independence after USSR dissolution in December 1991.
- National Geographic Kids — https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/discover/geography/countries/russia-facts/Supports: Official name, capital, government form, official language, area, population, time zones.
- CIA World Factbook (archive) — https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/about/archives/2022/countries/russia/summariesSupports: Historical formation, Soviet period, dissolution of the USSR into Russia and other states.
- BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-17839672Supports: Country profile facts including capital, area, population, and languages.
- Michigan State University GlobalEDGE — https://globaledge.msu.edu/countries/russiaSupports: Geography, neighboring countries, government system, economic transition, regional memberships.