Russia
Russia, officially the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country spanning eastern Europe and northern Asia.
Russia, officially the Russian Federation, is the world’s largest country by land area, spanning eastern Europe and northern Asia. It became an independent state in December 1991 after the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
What it is
Russia is a transcontinental federation that covers about 17 million square kilometres. Its capital and largest city is Moscow, the official language is Russian, and the currency is the ruble.
Key details
The country crosses 11 time zones and shares land borders with 14 countries. Its population is roughly 144 million, making it the most populous country in Europe. Russia has coastlines on the Arctic, Atlantic, and Pacific oceans.
Why it matters
Russia is a major Arctic state and the world’s largest country by area—nearly twice the territory of Canada. Its geopolitical, economic, and security decisions in the northern hemisphere have direct relevance to Canadian readers.
In short
- World’s largest country by land area
- Spans eastern Europe and northern Asia across 11 time zones
- Capital and largest city is Moscow
- Independent since December 1991 after Soviet dissolution
Russia is relevant to Canadian readers because it is the world’s largest country and a major Arctic state with geopolitical, economic, and security significance in the northern hemisphere; Britannica also notes Russia is nearly twice the territory of Canada.[1]
Quick questions
What is Russia’s official name?
What is the capital of Russia?
When did Russia become independent?
Sources
- Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/RussiaSupports: Largest country by area; spans Europe and Asia; independence after USSR dissolution in December 1991.
- National Geographic Kids — https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/discover/geography/countries/russia-facts/Supports: Official name, capital, government form, official language, area, population, time zones.
- CIA World Factbook (archive) — https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/about/archives/2022/countries/russia/summariesSupports: Historical formation, Soviet period, dissolution of the USSR into Russia and other states.
- BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-17839672Supports: Country profile facts including capital, area, population, and languages.
- Michigan State University GlobalEDGE — https://globaledge.msu.edu/countries/russiaSupports: Geography, neighboring countries, government system, economic transition, regional memberships.