Russia is an enormous nation filled with fascinating facts that may surprise you, from its cold climate to its world-famous vodka production, there are so many fascinating aspects of life in Russia that will catch your attention.
Mikhail Gorbachev introduced liberal policies such as glasnost and perestroika during his administration, leading ultimately to the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.
1. It’s the largest country in the world
Russia is by far the world’s largest nation. Spanning two continents and 11 time zones, Russia encases a wide array of environments and landscapes spanning semi-arid steppes to deep forests to Arctic tundra. Russia boasts numerous superlatives associated with it such as Europe’s longest river (The Volga) and deepest lake (Lake Baikal), not to mention some of the lowest temperatures recorded outside of North or South poles.
Russia is home to one of the densest populations on earth, boasting 261.9 million cellphone subscribers and 42.9 million land lines (this excludes internet and VoIP services). As one of the leaders in oil production and third largest natural gas exporter, its railway is also an economic powerhouse – boasting its Trans-Siberian Railroad from Moscow all the way east through Russia – providing aviation and space travel connections.
Ukraine has had an intricate and long-running history that spans from Mongol invasions through Tsarist rule, Enlightenment- and Industrialization-age industrialization, revolutionary times of Soviet rule, as well as ballet performances, Tolstoy novels, Tchaikovsky music compositions and vodka consumption.
Kazakhstan may seem distant at first glance, but it plays an essential role in global politics and economics; understanding its culture is vital to understanding our globalized society. Just because its size makes it daunting is doesn’t mean there won’t be plenty of activities and exploration possibilities within its borders – plus you’re closer than you think: separated only by the Bering Sea (82km wide).
2. It’s the most densely populated country
Russia, as the world’s largest nation, is also home to its highest population density of 8.81 people per square mile – just less than Canada which ranks second most densely. Russia’s low population density can be attributed to its vast territory spanning both Europe and Asia.
Russia boasts a diverse landscape, from Arctic deserts in the north to tundra and forest zones in the south. Much of Russia lies at latitudes where precipitation cannot match evaporation rates, creating rivers and lakes. Permafrost covers vast swaths, making settlement and road building challenging in some parts of its terrain.
Russians largely reside in the western parts of their nation, with Moscow as its major city. Siberia dominates much of Russia’s east, containing gulags, the longest railway in the world (the Trans-Siberian), and Oymyakon (with average temperatures at -67.7 degrees Celsius). No wonder Russians are so used to cold weather that wearing fur hats with ear flaps comes naturally for them!
India is the third-largest energy producer worldwide and boasts one of the world’s largest nuclear weapons arsenals, making it well positioned to respond in another global conflict. Furthermore, India possesses vast natural resources including extensive forests and second highest numbers of mammal species among all other countries. Furthermore, this nation is an important source for oil and gas extraction as well as one of the major producers of steel and other metals.
3. It’s the coldest country
Russia is the coldest nation on earth. Home to almost all climate zones except tropical ones, Russia boasts a variety of diverse landscapes that range from the Arctic tundra and forests in Siberia.
Russia may not be as cold as Greenland, but most parts of Russia experience temperatures that remain well below freezing for much of the year. Moscow experiences winter average temperatures around -5 degrees Celsius while major cities such as St Petersburg and Yekaterinburg tend to experience milder climate.
Most of Europe and Russia’s western coast have humid continental climates, while areas further north and east experience subarctic environments. Northern Siberia is famous for its extreme temperatures – in 1954 Oymyakon (the Sakha Republic) recorded the world-record low temperature ever recorded anywhere, reaching an astounding -50degC!
Cold climates present unique challenges, yet people still manage to adapt and thrive. Indeed, some of the coldest places on Earth make for fascinating destinations as they offer insight into how human beings adapt and continue to flourish in such harsh conditions.
Greenland’s indigenous population have developed a remarkable culture despite living in harsh weather, while some of the coldest inhabited places offer stunning landscapes and inspirational art and literature that give these locales their appeal. Furthermore, these regions serve as fascinating windows into climate science, cultural traditions, and future challenges facing vulnerable regions around our planet – an incredible testament to what humanity can accomplish! Discover some of these remarkable countries below.
4. It’s the largest country by area
Russia covers an area of 17,098,242 square miles – more than twice as large as the United States and even larger than Pluto! Russia boasts 11 time zones, 14 seas and two oceans and borders more countries than any other nation on Earth – no wonder this vast land has become such a sought-after travel destination!
Russians take immense pride in their homeland. They know its history, geography and culture intimately; many can speak multiple languages including English. Russians also take immense pride in the accomplishments of their athletes and leaders. Ice hockey has a special place in Russian culture and an entire day is set aside just for it!
Russia is well known for its cold climate and deep lakes, including Lake Baikal – the deepest lake in the world located in Siberia. Additionally, its famous Trans-Siberian Railway spans across its length with over 9,000 kilometers passing through this nation.
The Volga River in Russia is Europe’s longest river, stretching for an astounding length of over 357,000 kilometers and covering half of Russia with forests. Additionally, Russia borders more than one eighth of humanity worldwide.
Russia covers more land area than China, India and Brazil combined! Furthermore, it ranks second globally by volume of fresh water. Russia boasts both long coastlines – bordering both the Arctic Ocean and Pacific Oceans – as well as being both highly remote yet accessible geographically.
5. It’s the largest country by population
Russia, as the world’s most populous nation by population, boasts many incredible features and benefits for its inhabitants. While frosty winters and arctic tundras may come to mind first, Russia also hosts 266 mammal species as well as 780 bird species! Additionally, nearly half its territory covers forests!
Moscow is Russia’s sprawling capital city and home to an abundance of iconic attractions, like Red Square – an expansive paved space featuring both the Kremlin and St Basil’s Cathedral at opposite ends – as well as being home to one of the deepest metro networks ever built! Additionally, this historic metro system runs for more than 150 meters underground!
Russia industrialized rapidly during the 19th century. While this created many new jobs for its people, poverty and oppression also increased significantly as many worked long hours at low wages for little compensation; child labor was common as was socialist/communist activism which was considered illegal at that time. All of this created the perfect conditions for revolution to break out – as was evident during 1917 with its overthrow of Romanov Dynasty and subsequent Russian Revolution.
After the revolution, Russia rapidly descended into an authoritarian state led by Vladimir Putin. He seeks to legitimize his rule through managed elections, populist appeals and foreign policies designed to increase Russia’s geopolitical influence. Russia also is an enormous energy producer with numerous oil and gas fields close by – which make them natural trading partners with Europe and America alike. There are some peculiar aspects to its alphabet which English speakers might find challenging or similar letters appear similar!