About Russia
Meet with the country and nation!
Facts about Russia
Russia is the largest country in the world, the ninth-most populous country, as well as the most populous country in Europe. Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Country covers over 17 millions square kilometres, stretching 11 time zones and bordering 16 states. Its total population is over 146.7 million. Russia is administratively divided into 85 federal subjects. The territory of the country is located in various natural areas: tundra, taiga, steppe, deserts.
Capital of Russia
Moscow is the capital of Russia. The city stands on the Moskva River in Central Russia, with a population estimated at 12.4 million residents. Originally established in 1147. Moscow is also home to the tallest free-standing structure in Europe, the Ostankino Tower, and was the host city of the 1980 Summer Olympics, and one of the host cities of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The city is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, particularly its historic Red Square, and buildings such as the Saint Basil's Cathedral and the Moscow Kremlin, of which the latter serves as the seat of power of the Government of Russia. The city has over 40 percent of its territory covered by greenery, making it one of the greenest cities in Europe and the world.
Nations
Russia is a multinational state with over 190 ethnic groups designated as nationalities; the populations of these groups vary enormously, from millions (e.g., Russians, Tatars) to under 10,000 (e.g., Samis, Kets). Obviously the most widespread group is Russians. Over 75% of inhabitants are Russians or consider themselves of Russian origin. Here is just a few main facts about them: language - Russian, religion - predominantly Eastern Orthodox Christianity.
Transport
The transport network of the Russian Federation is one of the world's most extensive transport networks. The national web of roads, railways and airways stretches almost 7,700 km from Kaliningrad in the west to the Kamchatka Peninsula in the east, and major cities such as Moscow and Saint Petersburg are served by extensive rapid transit systems. Russia has such way of transportation by Rail transport, Roads and highways, Waterways, Pipelines and Air transport. Also some cities of Russia have a Metro. The Moscow Metro was opened in 1935 with one 11-kilometre line and 13 stations. As of 2021, the Moscow Metro, excluding the Moscow Central Circle, the Moscow Central Diameters and the Moscow Monorail, has 239 stations (276 with Moscow Central Circle) and its route length is 408.1 km, making it the sixth-longest in the world and the longest outside China.
Nature
Due to huge lands in north and south, east and west there are lots of various climates. There are strong winds near the oceans and dust storms in deserts. There are heavily rainy places such as Severo-Kuril’sk (small town in Far East) and always sunny towns such as Ulan-Ude (city in the Russian Siberia). It could be snowy and freezing in the Caucasus mountains and hot near the Black Sea in Sochi. One day it will be snowing and snow and ice will cover all ground but the next day it could be warm and rainy. It could be 50 Celsius degrees below zero in winter and +40 Celsius degrees in summer in one town. The territory of the country is located in various natural areas: tundra, taiga, steppe, deserts. Russia is a hometown for more than 320 types of mammals, 700 kind of birds, more 50 types of reptiles, 670 freshwaters, 100 000 kinds of insects and 10 000 arachnids.
Pecularities
Russians are addicted to extraordinary activities. Have you heard anything about Russian Banya? Russians are so strong that they could take a steam bath and then jump into a snowdrift or plung into the ice hole. Another unique pecularity came from Soviet time when plenty of streets in different cities were named after the same famous Soviet leaders. For instance, you still may walk around street named after Lenin in Samara, Saint Petersburg, Kazan and other cities. And what about slippers? Russians like to take off footwear and put on cozy home shoes. The best thing about Russia is central heating in each house. There is no secret that it could be extremely freezing in winter in Russia. You can meet heating tubes in every private house, high-rise buildings, skyscrapers and so on. Isn't it amazing?
Winter activities
Russia has 4 seasons. Winter is time not only for waiting summer but to have fun. Snow gives opportunity to do some sports, e.g. skis, skates, snowboard and others. One of the favorite is making snowman, using carrot for nose. Another one is playing snowballs: people are divided in teams and than drop snowballs to each other. Especially children have amazing type of things to do: tasting icicles. They try to have a secret from parents when they did it. So, as you see, Russian winter is a good time for living despite the frost.
Summer activities
Summer vibes in Russia are truly fantastic! Due to the short period of hot and sunny weather in most parts of the country, Russians take everything from the long hot summer days and awesome warm nights. People swim in the Volga river and other reservoirs, do roller-skating in parks, ride bikes in the embankments and national parks. Citizens of Samara region are in love with the diamond of this area - Volga river, so they go hiking along it with friends, take cruise and spend fabulous days on the send islands of the Volga. Samara is a city-resort!
