Russia Facts

by countryaah · Published June 3, 2019 · Updated December 12, 2024

Russian Federation, Russia, Northern Europe and Asia; 17 million km², 144.5 million residents (2019). Formally, the name is Russian Federation. Since 1991, the country has been increasingly called, both domestically and internationally, only Russia. The Russian Federation is administratively divided on the basis of both ethnic and territorial criteria. The capital is Moscow (12.2 million residents, 2017).

Country facts

Rossijskaja Federatsija / Russian Federation
Country abbreviation: RU
Area: 17 million km²
Population (2019): 144.5 million residents
Capital: Moscow
Main language: Russian
State: Republic
Head of State: Vladimir Putin (President)
Head of Government: Michail Misjustin
Per capita GDP (2018): US $ 11,289
GNI per capita (2018): US $ 10,230
Currency unit: 1 ruble = 100 kopecks
Currency code: RUB
Country number (telephony): 7
Internet domain name: ru
Time difference compared to Sweden: +1 to +11
National Day: June 12 (Independence Day, 1991)

Nature

Land use: forest (45%), agricultural land (8%), other (47%)
Highest mountain: Elbrus (5,642 m above sea level)
Longest river: Volga (3,700 km)

Population

Population density (2019): 8 residents per km²
Natural population growth (2019): -0.2%; birth rate 11 ‰, death rate 13 ‰
Age structure (2019): 0-14 years (18%), 15-64 (67%), 65- (15%)
Life expectancy (2019): men 68 years, women 76 years
Infant mortality (2019): 5 per 1,000 live births
Population forecast 2050: 139 million residents
HDI (2017): 0.816 (place 49 of 189)
Urbanization rate (2019): 74%
Most populous cities (2017): Moscow (12.2 million residents), Saint Petersburg (5.3 million), Novosibirsk (1.6 million)

Business

Industry’s contribution to GDP (2017): agriculture (5%), industry (32%), service (63%)
Exports (2017): US $ 353,000 million
Main export products: oil, natural gas, mineral
Main exporting countries: China, Netherlands, Germany
Imports (2017): US $ 238 000 million
Main import products: machines, vehicles, pharmaceuticals
Main importing countries: China, Germany, USA
Railway network (2014): 87 200 km

Geography of Russia

Location and Size

Russia, the largest country in the world by land area, spans much of Eastern Europe and northern Asia, covering a vast territory of approximately 17.1 million square kilometers. It stretches across 11 time zones and borders 16 countries, including China, Mongolia, and Finland, as well as the Arctic Ocean to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the east. Russia’s sheer size makes it not only geographically diverse but also geopolitically significant. From the European plains in the west to the icy tundra and expansive forests of Siberia, Russia encompasses a wide range of landscapes and climates.

Russia’s size and diverse geography contribute to a wide variety of ecosystems. While the western part of the country, including cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg, is more urbanized and industrialized, the vast stretches of Siberia are sparsely populated and rich in natural resources. The Ural Mountains, running from north to south, divide the country into two major geographic regions: European Russia to the west and Asian Russia to the east.

Physical Features and Natural Resources

Russia is home to a range of significant natural features, from the mountainous regions in the Caucasus and the Ural Mountains to expansive plains and river systems like the Volga, the longest river in Europe. The Caspian Sea, the largest enclosed body of water in the world, lies to the southeast of the country, and Russia’s Arctic coast is rich in natural resources, including oil and natural gas.

In addition to the Ural Mountains, other important mountain ranges include the Caucasus, which has Mount Elbrus, the highest peak in Europe, and the Altai Mountains in the southeast, which lie along the borders with Mongolia and China. Siberia, which comprises much of Russia’s territory, is covered by dense forests, including the largest contiguous forest area in the world, and vast swaths of tundra. This diverse geography hosts an abundance of wildlife, including bears, wolves, tigers, and a variety of bird species.

Russia’s natural resources are among the most extensive in the world. The country is a major producer of oil, natural gas, coal, and minerals like gold, diamonds, and platinum. These resources play a central role in the Russian economy, and much of the country’s wealth comes from exploiting these natural reserves.

Climate of Russia

Extreme Weather Conditions

The climate of Russia is highly varied, ranging from the tundra climate in the Arctic to the temperate climate in the south. Due to its vast size, the country experiences extreme weather conditions, with regions such as Siberia and the Far East experiencing some of the coldest temperatures on Earth. In winter, temperatures can drop as low as -40°C (-40°F) or lower in Siberia, and some parts of the country experience snow cover for up to half of the year.

Summers in Russia vary dramatically depending on location. The European part of Russia, including Moscow and St. Petersburg, experiences relatively mild summers, with average temperatures between 20-25°C (68-77°F). However, in Siberia and the Russian Far East, summers can be much warmer, with temperatures occasionally reaching 30°C (86°F), particularly in cities like Irkutsk and Khabarovsk.

The Russian climate is also defined by its seasonal extremes. Winters are long and harsh, particularly in Siberia, where the climate can be severe, and snowstorms are common. Summer, while short, brings some relief with warmer temperatures, particularly in the southern regions of the country. In the eastern parts of Russia, such as the Kamchatka Peninsula, the climate is temperate but influenced by volcanic activity, which occasionally leads to ash clouds.

Precipitation and Geography Influence

Precipitation varies significantly across Russia. The western part of the country, including Moscow and St. Petersburg, experiences moderate rainfall throughout the year, with an annual average of around 500-700 millimeters. In contrast, Siberia receives much less precipitation, contributing to its vast steppe and tundra regions. The coastlines of the Far East receive substantial rainfall, influenced by monsoon winds from the Pacific Ocean.

People of Russia

Population Demographics

Russia is home to a population of approximately 145 million people, making it the most populous country in Europe, although its population density is low due to its vast land area. The population has been in gradual decline due to factors such as low birth rates, high mortality rates, and emigration. The majority of Russia’s population lives in the western part of the country, with major urban centers like Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Kazan serving as key hubs of culture, politics, and economics.

Ethnically, Russia is a melting pot, with more than 190 different ethnic groups. The largest group is ethnic Russians, who make up about 80% of the population. There are significant minority populations, including Tatars, Ukrainians, Bashkirs, Chechens, and Armenians. Russia is also home to a variety of indigenous peoples, particularly in the Far East, Siberia, and the Caucasus.

The diversity of Russia’s population is also reflected in its religions. Russian Orthodoxy is the dominant religion, practiced by around 70% of the population. However, Islam is the second largest religion, particularly prevalent in regions like Tatarstan and the North Caucasus. There are also smaller communities of Jews, Buddhists, and Protestants, and religious tolerance is generally promoted, although the government has been criticized for its treatment of certain religious groups, particularly minority Christian denominations.

Language and Education

The official language of Russia is Russian, a Slavic language that uses the Cyrillic alphabet. It is spoken by the vast majority of the population, while other languages such as Tatar, Bashkir, Chechen, and various indigenous languages are also spoken in specific regions.

Russia has a high literacy rate, with education being compulsory for children up to the age of 15. The Russian education system is centered around a 12-year school program, with an emphasis on science, mathematics, and literature. Higher education in Russia is well-regarded globally, with institutions such as Moscow State University, St. Petersburg State University, and the Siberian Federal University offering world-class programs in various fields.

Economy of Russia

Natural Resources and Energy Sector

Russia’s economy is heavily reliant on its natural resources, particularly oil, natural gas, and minerals. The country is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of oil and natural gas, and its energy sector is a key driver of economic growth. The state-controlled energy giant Gazprom is the world’s largest producer of natural gas, and Russia’s oil exports play a significant role in global markets.

The energy sector accounts for a large portion of Russia’s GDP and export revenues, making it vulnerable to fluctuations in global commodity prices. However, the government has taken steps to diversify the economy by investing in industries such as aerospace, defense, and technology.

Manufacturing, Industry, and Agriculture

In addition to its energy resources, Russia has a significant industrial base, with key industries including manufacturing, aerospace, military production, and chemicals. The Russian automotive and machinery sectors are also vital to the country’s economy, with both domestic production and foreign investment playing significant roles.

Agriculture, while less important than the energy sector, still contributes to the Russian economy. Russia is one of the world’s largest producers of wheat, barley, and other grains. The country has also seen a resurgence in agriculture since the fall of the Soviet Union, with increased production of dairy products, vegetables, and meat.

Challenges and Economic Issues

Russia’s economy faces several challenges, including the need for diversification, dependence on energy exports, and international sanctions, particularly after the annexation of Crimea in 2014. Sanctions from the European Union, the United States, and other countries have had a significant impact on Russia’s financial sector and its ability to access global markets. Additionally, corruption remains a pervasive issue in Russia, hindering economic growth and development.

Despite these challenges, Russia has made progress in modernizing its economy, particularly in the areas of technology and manufacturing. The government has also sought to strengthen ties with emerging markets in Asia, particularly China, to reduce dependence on Western trade.

Government of Russia

Political System and Structure

Russia is a federal semi-presidential republic, with a complex political structure that includes both centralized authority and regional governance. The President of Russia, elected for a six-year term, is the head of state and holds significant executive powers. The president appoints the prime minister, who is the head of government, as well as key ministers and officials within the government.

The Federal Assembly is Russia’s bicameral legislature, consisting of the State Duma (lower house) and the Federation Council (upper house). The State Duma is composed of 450 members, elected every five years through a mixed system of proportional representation and majoritarian representation. The Federation Council is made up of representatives appointed by regional legislative bodies and heads of regions.

Legal System

Russia’s legal system is based on civil law, with the Constitution of the Russian Federation serving as the supreme law of the land. The judicial system includes the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court, and various other lower courts. The judiciary is meant to be independent, but in practice, it is often seen as being subject to political influence.

The Russian legal system has faced criticism from both domestic and international observers for its lack of transparency, political interference, and human rights violations. The country has also faced criticism for limiting freedom of expression, assembly, and the press, particularly in the years since President Vladimir Putin assumed office.

Culture of Russia

Arts and Literature

Russia has a rich and varied cultural history, particularly in the fields of literature, music, and visual arts. Russian literature is internationally renowned, with figures such as Leo Tolstoy, Fyodor Dostoevsky, Anton Chekhov, and Vladimir Nabokov being central to the country’s cultural legacy. Russian literature often explores themes of human suffering, existentialism, and the complexities of Russian society and history.

In music, Russia has produced some of the world’s most famous composers, including Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Igor Stravinsky, and Sergei Rachmaninoff. The country’s contributions to classical music, ballet, and opera are immense, with the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow and the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg being among the world’s most prestigious cultural institutions.

Russian art has also been influential, with movements such as Constructivism and Socialist Realism shaping the visual arts during the Soviet period. Today, Russian artists continue to make significant contributions to global art and culture, blending traditional styles with modern techniques.

Festivals and Traditions

Russian culture is marked by numerous traditions, festivals, and holidays that reflect the country’s diverse heritage. Orthodox Christian holidays such as Christmas and Easter are celebrated with religious ceremonies and family gatherings. Maslenitsa, a pre-Lenten festival, is one of the most famous and widely celebrated holidays, marked by feasting, music, and dancing.

The Russian New Year is also a major celebration, often marked by fireworks, parties, and traditional foods. Other important celebrations include Victory Day (May 9), which commemorates the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, and the Day of Russia (June 12), which celebrates the country’s sovereignty.

Cuisine

Russian cuisine is hearty and diverse, reflecting the country’s agricultural and cultural diversity. Traditional Russian dishes include borscht (a beet soup), pelmeni (dumplings), pirozhki (filled pastries), and shchi (cabbage soup). The cuisine is characterized by the use of preserved foods, such as pickled vegetables, smoked fish, and meats, which were essential for survival during the long winters.

Vodka is an iconic beverage in Russia, often consumed during meals and celebratory events. Russian cuisine also incorporates influences from neighboring countries, with dishes from the Caucasus, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe being common in Russian households.