Russia Country Facts
Land of vast landscapes, imperial history, iconic architecture, and global influence stretching across two continents.
Quick Country Facts
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Country Name | Russian Federation |
| Capital | Moscow |
| Continent | Eurasia (Partly in Europe and Asia) |
| Population | ~144 million (Rank: ~9th globally) |
| Official Language | Russian |
| Currency | Russian Ruble (RUB) |
| Time Zone | GMT+2 to GMT+12 (11 time zones) |
| Calling Code | +7 |
Short Fact: Russia – The World’s Largest Country Spanning Two Continents
Russia is the largest country on Earth, spanning Europe and Asia, with unmatched diversity in geography, culture, and climate.
Long Fact: Russia – A Colossal Nation of History, Power, and Arctic Mystique
Russia, officially the Russian Federation, is the largest country in the world by land area, covering over 17 million square kilometers and spanning 11 time zones. It is a transcontinental nation, stretching across both Europe and Asia, with roughly 75% of its territory in Asia and most of its population in the European part.
Russia is bordered by 14 countries and touches three oceans: the Arctic, Pacific, and Atlantic (via the Baltic Sea). Its geographic diversity includes tundras, taigas, mountains, lakes, and plains.
The capital, Moscow, is a historic city known for its Red Square, Kremlin, and St. Basil’s Cathedral — symbols of Russian identity. Saint Petersburg, the imperial capital, is famed for its European charm, art, and canals.
Russia has a long and complex history — from the Tsardom of Russia, Romanov Empire, Soviet Union (USSR) era, to the modern Russian Federation. It played pivotal roles in both World Wars and the Cold War, and remains a major geopolitical force.
The Russian language is the largest native language in Europe, and Russian culture has gifted the world literature (Tolstoy, Dostoevsky), ballet (Bolshoi), space exploration (Yuri Gagarin), and classical music (Tchaikovsky).
Russia is a leading producer of natural gas, oil, metals, and wheat, and is home to the world’s deepest freshwater lake — Lake Baikal.
Religion-wise, Eastern Orthodoxy is dominant, though the country is officially secular.
From the icy vastness of Siberia to the vibrant streets of Moscow, Russia offers a paradoxical blend of modernism and tradition, opulence and simplicity, freedom and control.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Russia
Q1. Is Russia in Europe or Asia?
Ans: Russia is a transcontinental country, with most land in Asia but most population in Europe.
Q2. What is the capital of Russia?
Ans: The capital is Moscow.
Q3. What makes Russia unique geographically?
Ans: It is the largest country in the world and spans 11 time zones.
Q4. What language is spoken in Russia?
Ans: Russian is the official and widely spoken language.
Q5. What is Russia known for?
Ans: Known for its history, space achievements, natural resources, and cultural contributions.
Q6. Is Russia safe for tourists?
Ans: Major cities are relatively safe, but travel advisories vary depending on the geopolitical climate.
Q7. What is traditional Russian food?
Ans: Dishes like borscht, pelmeni, blini, and beef stroganoff are common.
Q8. What is Lake Baikal?
Ans: It is the deepest freshwater lake on Earth, located in Siberia.
Q9. What is the religion in Russia?
Ans: The majority follow Russian Orthodox Christianity, though the state is secular.
Q10. Does Russia have a royal history?
Ans: Yes, ruled by the Romanov dynasty before the 1917 revolution.