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Russia Culture, Geography and History

Geography and Environment of Russia

  • Riverbank of Kremlin at night
  • Horse drawing carriage past snow covered church in Suzdal

As the world’s largest country, Russia’s gigantic landmass spans two continents and runs parallel to the Arctic Sea at the top of the globe. To the east are Russia’s two largest cities - the stately capital of Moscow lies inland, while mighty St Petersburg sits perched on the banks of the Neva River. From the central Ural Mountains, Russia’s 102,000 km of waterways flow into the Baltic, White, Caspian and Black Seas, ensuring a landscape that is rich in colour. Infamous Siberia forms Russia’s western land, with a century of prison camps, exiles and secret bases making this remote part of the country the stuff of legends. Siberia’s vastness makes it an emerging location for adventure tourism, yet its icy tundras are still some of the most remote spots on the planet. The best way to experience Siberia is undoubtedly by rail, with the legendary Trans-Siberian Railway offering scenic glimpses and memorable stops at humble villages.


History and Government of Russia


Other Resources

Recommended Reading

  • Letters from St Petersburg - Victoria Hammond
  • Speak, Memory - Vladimir Nabokov
  • Russian Winter - Daphne Kalotay
  • Gorky Park - Martin Cruz Smith
  • Natasha's Dance: A Cultural History of Russia - Orlando Figes
  • A People's Tragedy: The Russian Revolution - Orlando Figes
  • The Brothers Karamazov - Fyodor Dostoevsky

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Russia at a glance

  • 9
  • Moscow
  • 138.7 million
  • Russian
  • RUB
  • (GMT+03:00) Moscow, St. Petersburg, Volgograd
  • Type C (European 2-pin), Type F (German 2-pin, side clip earth)
  • +7

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