Russia
Russia, officially known as the Russian Federation, is the largest country in the world by land area, covering more than one-eighth of the Earth's inhabited land area. It spans Eastern Europe and Northern Asia, and shares borders with several countries including Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Belarus, Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, North Korea, and China.
History
- Kievan Rus': The origins of the Russian state can be traced back to the medieval state of Kievan Rus, established in the 9th century.
- Mongol Invasion: In the 13th century, the Mongol Empire conquered much of Russia, leading to the period known as the Mongol Yoke.
- The Rise of Moscow: By the 14th century, Moscow began to assert its power, eventually becoming the center of Russian political and cultural life.
- Tsarist Russia: The Romanov Dynasty ruled from 1613 until the Russian Revolution of 1917, expanding Russia into a vast empire.
- Soviet Era: After the revolution, Soviet Union was established in 1922, with Russia as its largest and dominant republic. The USSR became a superpower during the Cold War.
- Post-Soviet Russia: The Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, leading to the formation of the modern Russian Federation.
Geography
Spanning almost half of the globe from east to west, Russia exhibits a vast array of landscapes, from the snow-capped mountains of the Caucasus and Ural Mountains to the vast expanses of the Siberian taiga. Key geographical features include:
- The Ural River and Caspian Sea, which are often considered the traditional boundaries between Europe and Asia.
- The Siberian Plateau, one of the largest highland areas in the world.
- The Lake Baikal, the deepest and one of the oldest freshwater lakes on Earth.
Economy
Russia has a mixed economy with extensive state involvement in strategic sectors such as energy, transport, and defense. Major economic activities include:
- Oil and Gas: Gazprom and Rosneft are major players in the global energy market.
- Military and Aerospace: Russian Aerospace Industry continues to be a significant sector.
- Agriculture: Despite its cold climate, Russia is among the top producers of wheat and other grains.
Culture
Russian culture is rich and diverse, influenced by its history and the many ethnic groups within its borders. Notable cultural aspects include:
Politics
Russia operates under a semi-presidential system where the President of Russia is both the head of state and government. The political landscape includes:
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