Know About Russia’s History, Flag, Population, Map, President, & Currency

Russia is the biggest country on Earth, spread across Europe and Asia. It has a long history, huge land area, many cultures, and a strong presence in world affairs. Here is an easy explanation of its capital, borders, geography, people, language, and other key facts.

Key Facts About Russia

• Area: 17,098,246 sq. km
• Capital: Moscow
• Official Language: Russian
• President: Vladimir Putin
• Prime Minister: Mikhail Mishustin
• Currency: Russian ruble (RUB)
• Population: Around 145 million people

Capital and Location of Russia

Russia is a transcontinental nation, meaning it lies in both Europe and Asia. According to the UN, it is mainly placed in the European continent.

Its capital, Moscow, is the country’s largest and most important city.

Countries that Border Russia

Russia touches the borders of 16 countries, the highest number for any nation.

Some of the major neighboring countries include:

• Norway and Finland
• Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland
• Belarus and Ukraine
• Georgia and Azerbaijan
• Kazakhstan and Mongolia
• China and North Korea

It also shares sea borders with Japan and the United States. To the north is the Arctic Ocean, and to the east is the Pacific Ocean.

A Short History of Russia

Russia has been home to many tribes and rulers since ancient times. Over centuries, the region saw kings, empires, and later the Soviet Union. In 1922, the USSR (Soviet Union) was formed with Moscow as its capital. In 1991, the USSR ended, and the present-day country Russia was formed. A new constitution was introduced in 1993.

Growth of Russian Territory

Russia became large through expansions over many years.

These expansions took the country:

• From the Ural Mountains to the Pacific Ocean
• From the Black Sea to the Caspian Sea
• Into Central Asia and parts of Siberia

This long process shaped today’s vast Russian territory.

Geography and Area of Russia

Russia covers over 17 million sq. km, making it the largest country in the world. It stretches across forests, mountains, rivers, lakes, and tundra regions. Because it is so wide, Russia spans eleven time zones.

Population of Russia

Russia has about 145 million people. The majority are ethnic Russians, but many other groups also live here, such as Tatars, Ukrainians, Bashkirs, Chechens, and others.

Languages Spoken in Russia

Russian is the main official language. Because the country is huge, more than 35 regional languages are also used in different areas.

Religion in Russia

Most people in Russia follow Christianity. Other religions like Islam, Buddhism, and Judaism are also practised. Some people follow no religion.

Distance between India and Russia

India and Russia are about 4,983 km apart. A flight between the two countries takes around 7 hours.

What Russia is known for?

Russia is famous for many special features:

1. Lake Baikal: The world’s deepest and one of the oldest lakes.

2. Europe’s Longest River: The Volga River flows through western Russia.

3. Unique Climate: Some of the coldest temperatures outside the polar regions have been recorded in Russia.

4. UNESCO Sites: Russia has 30 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including churches, natural wonders, and cultural sites.

5. Cultural Traditions: In Russia, people usually gift flowers in odd numbers, as even numbers are meant for funerals.