Overview
Russia, officially known as the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and North Asia. As the largest country in the world by land area, it spans eleven time zones and shares land borders with fourteen countries, making it one of the most geographically expansive and diverse nations on Earth.
Population and Demographics
Russia is home to a population of over 140 million people, making it the most populous country in Europe and the ninth-most populous nation in the world. The country is highly urbanised, with sixteen of its urban areas boasting more than 1 million inhabitants each, reflecting significant concentration of the population in major cities and metropolitan centers.
Major Cities
Moscow serves as both the capital and largest city of Russia. It holds the distinction of being the most populous metropolitan area in Europe, serving as the political, economic, and cultural heart of the nation.
Saint Petersburg is Russia's second-largest city and is widely recognized as a major cultural center, known for its historical significance and architectural heritage.
Key Facts
- Location: Eastern Europe and North Asia (transcontinental country)
- Status: Largest country in the world by land area
- Time zones: Spans eleven time zones
- Borders: Shares land borders with fourteen countries
- Population: Over 140 million people
- Capital and largest city: Moscow
- Second-largest city: Saint Petersburg
- Urban centers: Sixteen cities with populations exceeding 1 million