Russie

Russia, officially the Russian Federation, is the largest country by land area, spanning Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Its capital is Moscow, and Saint Petersburg is a major cultural center. The country features diverse landscapes, from Arctic tundra to forests and mountains.

Geographically, Russia covers vast territory and is traditionally split by the Ural Mountains into European and Asian parts. It borders 14 sovereign states and has extensive coastlines along the Arctic and Pacific Oceans, as well as the Baltic and Black Seas. The nation spans many time zones.

Historically, the region gave rise to Kievan Rus', the Tsardom, the Russian Empire, and the Soviet Union. The Russian Federation formed in 1991 after the Soviet dissolution. Russia remains a major global actor with a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.

Politically, Russia has a federal semi-presidential system defined by the 1993 constitution. The president is head of state and the prime minister head of government. The legislature, the Federal Assembly, consists of the State Duma and the Federation Council. The country is divided into 85 federal subjects.

Economically, Russia has a mixed economy rich in natural resources, especially oil and natural gas. Energy exports are a key revenue source. The ruble is the currency; Russia ranks among the world's largest economies by nominal GDP.

Demographically, the population is about 145 million, with Russian the official language. Russian culture has made major contributions to literature, music, ballet, and the arts. Religion is diverse, though Russian Orthodoxy has historically been predominant.

In recent years, Russia has faced international sanctions and diplomatic tensions after the 2014 annexation of Crimea and the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, influencing its economy and global relations. It remains a leading player in regional security and energy markets.