Russia, the largest country in the world by land area, covers over 17 million square kilometers and extends across eleven time zones from Europe’s western frontier to the eastern shores of the Pacific Ocean. Its diverse landscape encompasses tundras, taigas, steppes, and mountain ranges, and it is rich in natural resources, including vast reserves of oil and gas.

Historically, Russia’s origins trace back to the medieval state of Kievan Rus, which laid the foundation for the modern Russian identity. The rise of the Grand Duchy of Moscow in the 14th century eventually led to the formation of the Tsardom of Russia and, later, the Russian Empire, a major global power by the 19th century. The 1917 Russian Revolution transformed the empire into the Soviet Union, a communist superstate that played a critical role in 20th-century geopolitics. The dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 gave rise to the Russian Federation.

Russia’s capital, Moscow, is a vibrant metropolis known for landmarks such as the Kremlin and Red Square, while Saint Petersburg, its cultural hub, features exquisite architecture and a rich artistic heritage. The country shares land borders with numerous nations: Norway and Finland to the northwest; Estonia, Latvia, Belarus, and Ukraine to the west; and Georgia and Azerbaijan to the southwest. To the east, it borders Kazakhstan, China, and Mongolia, and to the northeast, it has maritime boundaries with Japan and the United States (across the Bering Strait).

Culturally, Russia has made significant contributions to global literature, music, and art, with renowned figures like Leo Tolstoy, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, and Wassily Kandinsky. The Russian language, an East Slavic tongue, is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world.

Politically, Russia is a federal semi-presidential republic with a complex international relationship. It remains a significant global player, with its unique blend of historical depth, cultural richness, and geopolitical influence.