Political Overview
Russia is a federal semi‑presidential republic whose capital is Moscow. It comprises 85 federal subjects including oblasts (provinces), republics, krais (territories), and autonomous okrugs each with varying degrees of administrative autonomy. As a leading member of the United Nations Security Council and one of the world’s largest military powers, Russia is recognized globally for its influential role in international diplomacy and security affairs. Major political landmarks such as the Kremlin in Moscow draw tourists from around the world, making it both a center of governance and a key tourism area.
Cultural Heritage and Identity
Russia’s cultural tapestry is woven from the traditions of its many federal subjects, from the republics of Tatarstan and Bashkortostan to the Siberian oblasts. The capital, Moscow, and second city, St. Petersburg, serve as epicenters of Russian art, music, and literature home to the Bolshoi Ballet and the Hermitage Museum, respectively. Beyond these cities, the Golden Ring a circuit of historic towns like Suzdal and Vladimir in the Vladimir and Yaroslavl Oblasts offers a glimpse into medieval Russian architecture and Orthodox heritage. Russia is celebrated worldwide for its literary giants (Tolstoy, Dostoevsky) and its enduring contributions to classical ballet and folk art.
Geographical Landscape, Area, and Climate
Spanning over 17 million square kilometers across Eurasia, Russia is the world’s largest country by area. Its terrain ranges from the tundra of the Arctic north to the temperate forests of the European west, and the mountainous Caucasus region to the volcanic Kamchatka Peninsula in the east. The capital, Moscow, lies in the humid continental climate zone, experiencing cold winters and warm summers, while Siberian regions endure some of the planet’s most extreme temperature swings. Tourists flock to natural wonders such as Lake Baikal in Irkutsk Oblast the world’s deepest freshwater lake as well as the Trans‑Siberian Railway crossing multiple oblasts and republics. Globally, Russia is recognized for this vast and varied landscape, which supports unique ecosystems and permafrost environments.
