Russia Geography

What is the terrain and geography like in Russia?

Overview
The Russian Federation is physically the largest country in the world, covering 17 million
square kilometers or 1.8 times the size of the United States. The territory of the Russian
Federation covers 11 time zones and stretches 6,000 miles from east to west. It has a
population of about 147.5 million. Politically, the Russian Federation is a union of 89
constituent republics, regions, and territories that enjoy varying degrees of economic and
political independence from the central government located in the capital, Moscow.

Moscow is the largest city in Russia and is located west of the great Russian plain on
the banks of the Moscow River at 37°73' E and 55°45' N. The city is built on several
low hills varying from 25 feet to 815 feet above sea level.

St. Petersburg, Russia's second largest city and the former imperial capital, is located
on a flat plain at the mouth of the Neva River on the Gulf of Finland at 55°57' N and
30°20' E. Established in 1703, the city is built on a series of 101 islands, and is laced
by canals and various streams of the Neva.

Yekaterinburg, Russia's third largest city with an estimated population of 1.5 million,
is located near the center of Russia, at the crossroads between Europe and Asia.
Founded in 1723, Yekaterinburg today is the seat of the government for the
Sverdlovsk region, which contains numerous heavy industries, mining concerns, and
steel factories. In addition, Yekaterinburg is a major center for industrial research and
development as well as home to numerous institutes of higher education, technical
training, and scientific research.

Vladivostok, the largest city in the Russian Far East and home to the Russian Pacific
fleet, is an important center for trade with the Pacific Rim countries. Closed to
foreigners from 1958 to 1992, the city now is home to many foreign businesses and
consulates.

Geography - note
largest country in the world in terms of area but unfavorably located in relation to major sea
lanes of the world; despite its size, much of the country lacks proper soils and climates
(either too cold or too dry) for agriculture; Mount El'brus is Europe's tallest peak; Lake Baikal,
the deepest lake in the world, is estimated to hold one fifth of the world's fresh water

Climate

Climate ranges from steppes in the south through humid continental in much of
European Russia; subarctic in Siberia to tundra climate in the polar north; winters vary
from cool along Black Sea coast to frigid in Siberia.