Russian Federation

Russia, formally referred to as the Russian Federation, is the largest country globally by land area, encompassing Eastern Europe and North Asia. With a population of around 146 million as of 2024, it ranks tenth on the globe and is the most populous nation in Europe. With eleven time zones and land borders with fourteen countries, this vast country is a geographical monster with unparalleled territory.

From the bright beaches of the Black Sea coast in the south to the frozen tundra of the Arctic north, the Russian landscape shows enormous variety. Among the vast forests, wide steppes, high mountain ranges, and many rivers and lakes—most notably Lake Baikal, the deepest and most voluminous freshwater lake in the world—the region that comprises Russia’s history, culture, and economic growth have been much shaped by this geographical variety.

Russia’s urban landscape is renowned for its marked rate of urbanization. Sixteen cities show the urban power of the country since their populations exceed one million people. With a population of more than 12 million, Moscow, the capital and biggest city, is the core of this metropolitan network, serving as the political, commercial, and cultural center of Russia. Celebrated for its great architecture, rich history, and noteworthy contributions to the arts and sciences, Saint Petersburg—often known as Russia’s cultural capital—is the second-largest city.

Russian culture started with the East Slavs, who developed into a separate group in Europe between the third and the eighth centuries CE. This age set the stage for the first East Slavic kingdom to arise in the 9th century, hence marking the beginning of Kievan Rus. A pivotal moment in Russian history, Kievan Rus’ conversion to Orthodox Christianity from the Byzantine Empire in 988 would profoundly affect Russian society, art, and culture throughout the ages.

Following the breakup of Kievan Rus’, the Grand Duchy of Moscow emerged as a unified entity, gradually combining Russian territory under its control. This process resulted in the Tsardom of Russia’s declaration in 1547, therefore launching a new era of centralized power and geographical spread. Russia’s frontiers greatly grew in the next centuries by conquest, annexation, and exploration, finally resulting in the founding of the Russian Empire by the early 18th century. Including vast areas of Europe and Asia, this empire was at its height the third-largest in history.

Russia’s political scene underwent great changes in the 20th century. The long-standing royal government was overthrown by the Russian Revolution of 1917, hence producing the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (RSFSR). Given Russia’s imperial past, this was a dramatic departure since the country became the first constitutionally socialist state in the world. With three other Soviet republics—Russia being the largest and most powerful component—the RSFSR was crucial in the founding of the Soviet Union.

With remarkable technological achievements, the Soviet era was defined by fast industrialization, usually at a great human cost. Particularly with regard to its efforts on the Eastern Front, the Soviet Union’s major participation in World War II confirmed its status as a world powerhouse. Beginning a protracted ideological and geopolitical struggle between the Soviet Union and the United States for world supremacy, the post-war era marked the start of the Cold War. Among Russia’s most important scientific and technological advancements during this time were the first artificial satellite launch and the first human sent into space.

For Russia, the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 marked a turning point. Rising from the ruins of the Soviet system, the Russian Federation adopted a new constitution, including a federal semi-presidential framework. Economic crisis and political unrest defined the tumultuous change from a centrally planned economy to a market-oriented society.

Russia’s political scene has been mostly shaped by Vladimir Putin since the beginning of the millennium; he is marked by a centralizing of power and a move toward authoritarian government. Russia has been restoring its influence on the global scene in this period, usually leading to conflicts with Western countries. The country has engaged in several military conflicts, most famously the war with Georgia in 2008 and the continuous conflict with Ukraine since 2014, which covers the internationally acknowledged annexations of Crimea and four other Ukrainian areas.

On the world scene, Russia is rather important. Engaging in many international organizations including the G20, Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), BRICS, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), and the World Trade Organization (WTO), this permanent member of the United Nations Security Council also participates in Russia taking front stage in post-Soviet organizations such as the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

Russia’s military might, which comprises the third-highest military budget internationally and the greatest nuclear arsenal in the world, supports its international influence. Though usually regarded as a big power and a regional authority, Russia’s global reputation is tarnished by its low ratings in democracy, human rights, and press freedom, as well as by increasing corruption.

With a nominal GDP ranking tenth internationally and sixth in purchasing power parity as of 2024, Russia is categorized as a high-income country. With Russia ranked as the second-largest producer of oil and natural gas worldwide, the country’s economic might largely stems from its vast mineral and energy resources. The wealth of resources has proven a two-edged blade, providing economic stability but also creating challenges to economic diversification.

With thirty UNESCO World Heritage Sites scattered around the country, Russia boasts a rich cultural legacy. These sites—which range from historic towns to natural beauties—attest to Russia’s vast geography and rich past. With Russian artists, writers, and composers acknowledged globally for their major and influential works, the nation’s contributions to literature, music, ballet, and the visual arts have had a long effect on world culture.