Russia or officially the Russian Federation is a transcontinental country in Eastern Europe and North Asia (Northern Eurasia). It is the world's largest country by land area, and it has a population of around 145 million people. The capital and largest city is Moscow, and the official language is Russian.
At 17,125,200 square kilometres (6,612,100 sq mi), it is, by a considerable margin, the largest country in the world by area, covering more than one-eighth of the Earth's inhabited land area, and the ninth most populous, with about 146.79 million people as of 2019, including Crimea. About 77% of the population live in the western, European part of the country. Russia's capital, Moscow, is one of the largest cities in the world and the largest city in Europe; other major cities include Saint Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg and Nizhny Novgorod. Extending across the entirety of Northern Asia and much of Eastern Europe, Russia spans eleven time zones and incorporates a wide range of environments and landforms. From northwest to southeast, Russia shares land borders with Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland (both with Kaliningrad Oblast), Belarus, Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, China, Mongolia and North Korea. It shares maritime borders with Japan by the Sea of Okhotsk and the U.S. state of Alaska across the Bering Strait. However, Russia recognises two more countries that border it, Abkhazia and South Ossetia, both of which are internationally recognized as parts of Georgia.
The Russian Federation has a diverse and dynamic economy, with industries including manufacturing, agriculture, and service sectors. The country is known for its rich cultural heritage, with a long history of art, literature, and music. It is home to a number of cultural and historical landmarks, including ancient cities, castles, and museums.
The Russian Federation has a varied landscape, with mountains, forests, and coastal areas. It is home to a number of plant and animal species, and it is a popular destination for tourists interested in nature and outdoor recreation. The country is known for its beautiful natural parks, including the Altai Mountains, the Kamchatka Peninsula, and the Baikal Lake.
The Russian Federation has a history of political and economic challenges, including poverty, inequality, and corruption. However, it has made significant progress in recent years and is working to improve its economy and social conditions. The country is a member of the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and it is working to integrate with the larger global community.
