Moscow

Moscow is the capital and largest city of Russia, situated on the Moskva River in European Russia. It serves as the country’s political, economic, cultural, and scientific center.

Founded in 1147, Moscow grew into the seat of the Grand Duchy of Moscow, then the Tsardom and the Russian Empire. In 1918 it became the capital of Soviet Russia and remained the capital of the Soviet Union until 1991. Since 1991 Moscow has been the capital of the Russian Federation.

Geographically, Moscow lies in the central part of European Russia. The city has a flat to gently hilly terrain and a continental climate. The city proper is home to about 12 million residents; the wider metropolitan area includes many more.

Moscow is a federal city with status equal to that of a region. It is divided into administrative okrugs that are further subdivided into districts. Local government is headed by a mayor and the City Government.

The city is Russia’s leading economic center, hosting headquarters of many national and international companies. It is a major transport hub served by three international airports—Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, and Vnukovo—and by Moscow Metro, one of the largest rapid transit systems in the world.

Moscow contains many historic and cultural landmarks, including the Kremlin and Red Square, Saint Basil's Cathedral, the Bolshoi Theatre, and the Tretyakov Gallery. It is also a major center for higher education and research, with institutions such as Moscow State University.