Where is Russia Located?
Where is Russia located on the map? Russia is an independent nation located in Eastern Europe. Check out the following images to see location of Russia on maps.
Russia Location in World Map
Here you can see where Russia is – and how big it is!
Location Information of Russia
Latitude and Longitude
Russia, the largest country in the world, spans both Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. It covers an immense area, stretching across 11 time zones and spanning a wide variety of landscapes, including mountains, plains, forests, and tundra. Russia’s geographic coordinates are approximately between Latitude 41° N and 81° N and Longitude 19° E and 169° W.
Due to its vast size, Russia has a variety of climate zones, ranging from arctic in the north to subtropical in the south, with much of the country lying within the boreal forests of Siberia. The country’s sheer size makes it a central and influential geopolitical power, straddling Europe and Asia, and stretching across the Ural Mountains, which traditionally serve as the natural divide between the two continents.
Capital City and Major Cities
Capital City: Moscow
Moscow is the capital city and largest city of Russia, located in the western part of the country. With a population of over 12 million people, Moscow is not only the political heart of Russia but also a major cultural, economic, and historical center. The city is known for its iconic landmarks, such as the Kremlin, the Red Square, and St. Basil’s Cathedral.
Moscow’s architecture reflects its long history, from medieval Russian buildings to Soviet-era structures and modern skyscrapers. It is a global city that plays a significant role in world affairs. The city serves as the seat of the Russian government and is home to many national and international businesses. Moscow’s cultural scene is vibrant, with numerous theaters, museums, galleries, and concert halls, such as the Bolshoi Theatre and the State Tretyakov Gallery.
Major Cities
- Saint Petersburg
Saint Petersburg, often considered the cultural capital of Russia, is located on the Neva River near the Baltic Sea. The city was founded by Peter the Great in 1703 and was the Russian capital until 1918. Saint Petersburg is known for its imperial palaces, particularly the Winter Palace, which houses the Hermitage Museum, one of the largest and oldest museums in the world. The city also boasts beautiful canals, bridges, and Catherine Palace in Tsarskoye Selo, as well as the stunning Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood.
With a population of over 5 million, Saint Petersburg is Russia’s second-largest city and an important cultural and economic hub. It is a key tourist destination and is famous for its White Nights, when the sun does not set for several weeks during summer.
- Novosibirsk
Novosibirsk is the largest city in Siberia and the third-largest city in Russia, with a population of approximately 1.6 million. Located along the Ob River, Novosibirsk serves as a key cultural and industrial center in Siberia. The city is a major hub for transportation, education, and technology. Notable landmarks include the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Novosibirsk Opera and Ballet Theatre, and the Novosibirsk Zoo. - Yekaterinburg
Yekaterinburg is located in the Ural Mountains, making it the administrative center of the Ural Federal District. The city is an important industrial, cultural, and educational center in Russia, with a population of around 1.5 million. Yekaterinburg is known for being the site of the execution of the Romanov family in 1918. The Church on the Blood marks the place where the family was killed. The city also serves as a major transit point between Europe and Asia. - Nizhny Novgorod
Nizhny Novgorod, located at the confluence of the Volga River and Oka River, has a population of over 1.2 million. The city is an important economic and cultural center in the Volga region. Nizhny Novgorod is known for its Kremlin, which is a historic fortress overlooking the river, and for being a center of Russian engineering and innovation. The city also boasts a thriving arts scene, with many theaters, museums, and galleries. - Kazan
Kazan, the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan, is located along the Volga River in central Russia. With a population of around 1.2 million, Kazan is a major cultural, educational, and economic center. It is known for its blend of Russian and Tatar cultures, with a rich history that includes the Kazan Kremlin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Kul Sharif Mosque. Kazan is also famous for its vibrant sport scene, particularly football and hockey.
Time Zone
Russia spans across 11 time zones, making it the country with the most time zones in the world. The time zone in Russia varies depending on the region, with the westernmost parts of the country in the Kaliningrad Time Zone (USZ1), UTC +2:00, and the easternmost regions in the Kamchatka Time Zone, which is UTC +12:00.
Moscow and Saint Petersburg both observe Moscow Time (MSK), which is UTC +3:00. Unlike many countries, Russia does not observe Daylight Saving Time, so the time remains consistent throughout the year.
Climate
Russia is a vast country with a variety of climates, ranging from Arctic to temperate, depending on the region. The climate varies dramatically from west to east and from north to south.
Northern Russia and Siberia
The northern regions of Russia, particularly Siberia, experience a subarctic climate, with long, harsh winters and short, cool summers. Winter temperatures can plummet to below -40°C (-40°F) in places like Yakutsk and Norilsk, some of the coldest inhabited places on Earth. The Tundra in the far north experiences very cold conditions, with permafrost covering much of the ground. Summer temperatures are short-lived and typically hover around 10°C (50°F).
European Russia
In European Russia, including cities like Moscow and Saint Petersburg, the climate is more temperate, with continental influences. Winters are cold and long, with temperatures averaging around -10°C (14°F) in January. Summers are relatively mild, with temperatures around 20°C (68°F) in July, but occasional heatwaves can push temperatures above 30°C (86°F).
Southern Russia
The southern regions, including parts of the Caucasus Mountains, have a more Mediterranean or semi-arid climate. Areas such as Sochi along the Black Sea coast enjoy warmer weather year-round, with mild winters and hot, humid summers. The Caspian Sea region also has areas with a desert climate, where temperatures can exceed 40°C (104°F) during the summer months.
Far Eastern Russia
In the Far East, regions like Vladivostok and Kamchatka have a monsoon-influenced climate, with wet, warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The Pacific Ocean moderates temperatures along the coast, but the interior is subject to more extreme weather patterns.
Economic Status
Russia has a mixed economy, combining state-owned and private enterprise. As one of the largest economies in the world, Russia is highly dependent on its vast natural resources, especially oil, natural gas, and minerals. Despite fluctuations in global energy prices, Russia has maintained significant global economic influence, particularly as an energy exporter.
Key Economic Sectors
- Oil and Gas
Russia is the world’s largest producer of natural gas and one of the top producers of oil. The oil and gas sector accounts for a significant portion of the country’s GDP, with major companies like Gazprom and Rosneft leading the industry. Exports of natural gas to Europe and Asia provide Russia with substantial revenue. - Mining and Minerals
Russia is rich in mineral resources, including gold, diamonds, nickel, and platinum. The country is one of the top producers of nickel, aluminum, and precious metals globally. The mining sector also plays a critical role in Russia’s economy. - Manufacturing and Industry
Russia has a diversified industrial sector, including heavy industries like machinery, automotive manufacturing, aerospace, and defense. The country has a strong military-industrial complex and is a leading producer of defense technology. The automobile industry includes global brands like AvtoVAZ and KamAZ. - Agriculture
Agriculture plays a key role in the economy, particularly in the production of wheat, barley, corn, and sunflower oil. Russia is one of the world’s leading wheat exporters. The country also produces large quantities of livestock, potatoes, and vegetables. - Technology and IT
Russia’s technology sector has been growing, particularly in software development, cybersecurity, and information technology services. The country has developed a strong tech startup culture, especially in cities like Moscow and Saint Petersburg. The space industry also remains a key player, with Roscosmos continuing to make significant strides in space exploration.
Tourist Attractions
Russia is rich in cultural and natural heritage, offering a wide array of attractions for tourists, from historical landmarks to beautiful natural landscapes.
- The Kremlin and Red Square (Moscow)
The Kremlin and Red Square are Russia’s most iconic landmarks. The Kremlin, a historic fortress, houses government buildings, including the Russian President’s residence, while the Red Square is surrounded by significant buildings like St. Basil’s Cathedral and the State Historical Museum. - Saint Basil’s Cathedral (Moscow)
This famous church, with its colorful onion domes, is one of Russia’s most recognized symbols. Located on Red Square, it is a stunning example of Russian architectural grandeur and has become a symbol of the country’s heritage. - Lake Baikal (Siberia)
Lake Baikal, located in Siberia, is the world’s deepest and oldest freshwater lake. It is surrounded by picturesque mountains and forests, offering numerous outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. - Catherine Palace (Pushkin)
The Catherine Palace, located near Saint Petersburg, is a baroque masterpiece with opulent interiors, including the famous Amber Room, which is one of the greatest treasures in Russian art. - Kizhi Island (Lake Onega)
Kizhi Island, located in Lake Onega, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its wooden churches and traditional wooden architecture. The Church of the Transfiguration with its 22 domes is a prominent feature of the island. - Sochi
Sochi, located on the Black Sea, is a popular beach resort town and a winter sports destination. The city gained international prominence as the host of the 2014 Winter Olympics and offers a mix of coastal and mountain tourism.
Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens
U.S. citizens visiting Russia for tourism purposes are required to obtain a visa. The process typically involves submitting a visa application, providing an invitation letter from a Russian sponsor, and undergoing a consular interview. The visa allows a stay of up to 90 days. Visitors must also provide a valid U.S. passport with at least six months of validity beyond the intended departure date.
Distance to New York City and Los Angeles
- Distance from New York City to Moscow
The distance between New York City and Moscow is approximately 4,670 miles (7,510 kilometers). Flights between the two cities typically take about 9 to 10 hours. - Distance from Los Angeles to Moscow
The distance from Los Angeles to Moscow is around 6,400 miles (10,300 kilometers). Flights generally take about 11 to 12 hours.
Russia Facts
Size | 17,075,400 km² |
Residents | 146.73 million |
Language | Russian |
Capital | Moscow |
Longest river | Lena (4,294 km) |
Highest mountain | Elbrus in the Caucasus (5,642 m) |
Currency | ruble |