Russia

Russia is the largest country by land area, spanning Eastern Europe and northern Asia. It covers about 17.1 million square kilometers and crosses 11 time zones, with coastlines on the Arctic and Pacific Oceans and borders with many nations. The capital is Moscow.

The Russian Federation operates as a federal semi-presidential republic. The president is the head of state and, with the prime minister, the head of government. The Federal Assembly consists of the State Duma and the Federation Council. The official language is Russian.

The population is about 144 million. Ethnic Russians form the plurality, with sizable groups of Tatars, Ukrainians, Bashkirs, and others. The country is religiously diverse, with the Orthodox Church historically dominant and a secular state framework.

Russia has a mixed economy with a large energy sector. It is a leading exporter of oil and natural gas and possesses extensive mineral resources. The nominal GDP is around $1.7–1.8 trillion. The ruble is the currency, and exports play a central role.

Historically, the region was home to early East Slavic states, developed into the Tsardom and the Russian Empire, and later became a major part of the Soviet Union. After 1991, the Russian Federation emerged as the successor state.

In international affairs, Russia is a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and participates in groups such as BRICS, the G20, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. It has complex relations with many states and has faced sanctions since 2014.

Culturally, Russia has a rich legacy in literature, music, ballet, and cinema. Notable figures include Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, Pushkin, Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky, and a world‑renowned ballet tradition. Science and space exploration have also been influential.