Geopolitical map of Russia
| Flag | Capital | Population | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Moscow | 140,702,000 | 17,100,000 km² |
| Country code | Phone Code | Local Hour | Time zone |
|---|---|---|---|
| RU | +7 | 06:15:40 | Asia/Anadyr |
High-Resolution Map of Russia with Districts and Administrative Divisions
This 4K map of Russia provides a detailed view of the country’s administrative structure. Each district and prefecture is color-coded for better readability and understanding.
The map includes major citiestowns over 5,000 inhabitantsdistrict and prefecture capitalsmain roadshighwaysrailwaysairportsriversand other geographic features.
Perfect for educationalgeographicor travel purposesthis high-resolution map helps visualize the internal organization of Russia with clarity and precision.
Source: Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (France)Department of Archives – Geographic UnitJuly 2019
14 countries share a border with Russia
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|---|---|
| 🌍 Geographic Span | Largest country by land areaspanning Europe and Asia |
| 🧑 Population | About 146 million inhabitants (2023 estimate) |
| 🏛️ Government | Federal semi-presidential republic under the 1993 Constitution |
| 💰 GDP | Approx. $1.7 trillion nominal GDP in 2022 |
| 🎨 Culture | Rich diversity of literaturemusicdance and folk traditions |
| 🏙️ Tourism | Iconic landmarks like the KremlinRed Squareand Lake Baikal |
| 🛢️ Natural Resources | Vast reserves of oilnatural gas and minerals |
Stretching from the Baltic shores to the Pacific coastRussia encapsulates extremes of climateculture and history in a single entity. Few nations can claim such a blend of icy tundrasunlit steppesimperial legacies and avant-garde art scenes. In this guidewe journey through Russia’s sprawling landscapesunravel its social fabrictrace its tumultuous past and outline practical tips for travelers. Whether you’re drawn by frescoed cathedrals or the secrets of Siberian wildernessa deeper understanding of this country’s dimensions enriches every encounter.
Geography and Climate
Russia occupies over 17 million square kilometersa territory so vast it spans 11 time zones. Its western reaches—European Russia—comprise roughly a quarter of the landmass yet host nearly 80% of the population. Beyond the Ural Mountains lies Siberia: an expanse of taiga and tundra dotted by rivers like the Ob and Lena. Farther eastthe rugged peaks of the Kamchatka Peninsula and the volcanic islands of the Kurils near Japan speak to a more restless geology.
Climatic conditions shift dramatically across these zones. The Arctic north experiences polar nights and permafrostwhile the south endures hot summers in its steppe regions. Moscow bears a humid continental climate; summer highs can touch 30 °Cwhereas winter lows plunge below –20 °C. In contrastthe Pacific coast enjoys monsoon influences—wet summers and milder winters—particularly around Vladivostok.
Demographics and Society
With around 146 million residentsRussia ranks ninth most populous worldwide. Urban centers dominate—Moscowwith over 12 million peopleand Saint Petersburghome to nearly 5 millionfunction as cultural and economic hubs. Rural areas thin out quicklyparticularly past the Ural ridge. This uneven distribution poses challenges for service delivery and regional development.
EthnicallyRussians account for approximately 80% of the population. Other significant groups include TatarsUkrainiansBashkirs and Chechens. Over 100 languages find official status in various republicsalthough Russian remains the lingua franca in governmenteducation and media. Orthodoxy is the predominant faithfollowed by Islam—especially in the North Caucasus and Tatarstan—alongside Buddhism and other beliefs. Society is marked by high literacy (almost 100%)a robust system of higher education and evolving demographic trends such as an aging population and urban migration.
History and Political System
Russia’s story begins with the medieval state of Kievan Rus’ in the 9th centuryfollowed by Mongol dominationthe rise of the Tsardom and eventual transformation into Imperial Russia under the Romanovs. The 1917 revolutions ushered in the Soviet era—a half-century of rapid industrializationglobal superpower statusand political repression. The dissolution of the USSR in 1991 led to the Russian Federation’s birthgrappling with economic upheaval and redefining its international role.
Today’s political structure emerges from the 1993 Constitution. A president wields executive power alongside a prime minister who heads the government. Legislative authority resides in a bicameral Federal Assembly: the Federation Council (upper house) and the State Duma (lower house). Federal subjects—ranging from oblasts and republics to krais and autonomous okrugs—enjoy varying degrees of autonomyreflecting Russia’s complex ethnic mosaic.
Economy and Infrastructure
Driven largely by energy exportsespecially oil and natural gasRussia occupies a solid place among global economies. In 2022 its nominal GDP reached roughly $1.7 trillionbut volatility in commodity prices continues to shape long-term prospects. Besides hydrocarbonssectors such as metallurgymachinery and chemicals contribute significantly. Agricultural staples include wheatbarley and sunflowers.
Infrastructure networks span continents. The Trans-Siberian Railway—over 9,000 km—connects Moscow with Vladivostokserving both freight and passenger traffic. Major highways are less extensiveand air travel fills many logistical gaps. Russia’s pipeline grid ranks among the largest globallydelivering energy to European and Asian markets. Internet penetration witnesses steady growththough regional disparities remain.
Culture and Heritage
Russia’s cultural landscape feels both timeless and rebellious. Literature giants—TolstoyDostoevskyPushkin—explored the human condition in sprawling novels that still resonate. Ballet companies like the Mariinsky and Bolshoi pioneered dance techniques that commanded global stages. Orthodox cathedralswith their vivid frescos and onion domesstand alongside avant-garde art movements born in early 20th-century salons.
UNESCO recognizes several Russian heritage sites: the Kremlin and Red SquareSaint Petersburg’s Historic CentreChurch of the Ascension in Kolomenskoye and the White Monuments of Vladimir and Suzdalamong others. Folk traditions—icon paintingwooden architecture in ArkhangelskShrovetide festivals—persist in villagesanchoring modern life to ancestral roots.
Tourism
Moscow and Saint Petersburg remain primary draws: the former for its political symbolism and skyscraper-lined boulevardsthe latter for its canalspalaces and White Nights. Beyond the capitalsthe Golden Ring—a circuit of medieval towns like Suzdal and Yaroslavl—offers a glimpse into pre-Peter the Great Russia. Nature tourism shines at Lake Baikalthe world’s deepest freshwater lakeand in Kamchatka’s geyser fields and bear populations.
Travelers should secure visas in advance—only a handful of countries enjoy visa-free access. The optimal period stretches from May to Septemberwhen daylight lasts and roads remain passable. English is increasingly common in hotels and tourist sitesbut learning a few Russian phrases eases navigation. Health precautions include routine vaccinations; remote areas sometimes lack advanced medical facilities.
Administrative Divisions and Bordering Countries
FederallyRussia comprises 85 subjects: 46 oblasts22 republics9 krais4 autonomous okrugs1 autonomous oblast and 3 federal cities (MoscowSaint PetersburgSevastopol). Each republic often represents distinct ethnic groups and retains its own constitution alongside the federal one.
Russia shares land borders with 16 nationsmore than any other country. Clockwise from the northwest: NorwayFinlandEstoniaLatviaLithuania (via Kaliningrad)Poland (Kaliningrad)BelarusUkraineGeorgiaAzerbaijanKazakhstanChinaMongolia and North Korea. Maritime boundaries touch Japan and the United States (across the Bering Strait).
Practical Information Table
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Capital | Moscow |
| Official Language | Russian |
| Area | 17 098 242 km² |
| Population | 146 million (2023) |
| Time Zones | UTC+2 to UTC+12 (11 zones) |
| Currency | Russian ruble (RUB) |
| Calling Code | +7 |
| Internet TLD | .ru |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best time to visit Russia?
- Travel from late May through September for mild weather and extended daylightespecially in northern regions.
- Do I need a visa to travel to Russia?
- Most visitors must obtain a visa in advance; a few nationalities benefit from visa-free or e-visa regimes.
- What currency is used in Russia?
- The Russian ruble (RUB) serves as the official currencyavailable in coins and banknotes.
- How widely is English spoken in Russia?
- English proficiency is growing in major cities and tourist areasbut limited elsewhere—basic Russian phrases prove helpful.
- Which Russian landmarks are UNESCO-listed?
- Key sites include the Kremlin and Red SquareSaint Petersburg’s Historic Centre and several ancient white-stone cathedrals in Vladimir-Suzdal.
Official Sources and References
- CIA World Factbook – “Russia” (cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/russia/)
- World Bank – Russia Overview (worldbank.org/en/country/russia)
- Federal State Statistics Service of Russia (Rosstat) – www.gks.ru
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre – Russian Sites (whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/ru)
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation – www.mid.ru
Proportion of cities by number of inhabitants in Russia
Number of cities by importance (population) in Russia. Considering cities with a population of more than 100 000200 000500 000 and 1 million inhabitants with the percentage of the population that these cities represent.
| > 100k inhabitants | > 200k inhabitants | > 500k inhabitants | > 1 million inhabitants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 213 | 99 | 35 | 12 |
| 54.4 % | 43.4 % | 29.5 % | 19.2 % |
- The 213 most important cities represent 54.4% of the entire population
- The 99 most important cities represent 43.4% of the entire population
- The 35 most important cities represent 29.5% of the entire population
- The 12 most important cities represent 19.2% of the entire population
Administrative division of Russia
| Administrative subdivisions | Administrative level |
|---|---|
| 1 Autonomous oblast | 1 |
| 21 Republics | 1 |
| 2 Federal cities | 1 |
| 9 Krais | 1 |
| 4 Autonomous okrugs | 1 |
| 46 Oblasts | 1 |
| 614 Cities/towns | 2 |
| 16 Urban-type settlements | 2 |
| 1808 Raions | 2 |
| 8 Federal towns | 2 |
| 35 Okrugs | 2 |
| 125 Districts (Moscow) | 3 |
List of first-order administrative division in Russia
- Gorno-Altay (RU-AL)
- Pskov (RU-PSK)
- Krasnodar (RU-KDA)
- Karachay-Cherkess (RU-KC)
- Kabardin-Balkar (RU-KB)
- North Ossetia (RU-SE)
- Ingush (RU-IN)
- Chechnya (RU-CE)
- Dagestan (RU-DA)
- Murmansk (RU-MUR)
- Karelia (RU-KR)
- Leningrad (RU-LEN)
- Kaliningrad (RU-KGD)
- Smolensk (RU-SMO)
- Bryansk (RU-BRY)
- Kursk (RU-KRS)
- Belgorod (RU-BEL)
- Voronezh (RU-VOR)
- Rostov (RU-ROS)
- Buryat (RU-BU)
- Tuva (RU-TY)
- Chita (RU-ZAB)
- Amur (RU-AMU)
- Yevrey (RU-YEV)
- Khabarovsk (RU-KHA)
- Primor'ye (RU-PRI)
- Tyumen' (RU-TYU)
- Kurgan (RU-KGN)
- Omsk (RU-OMS)
- Novosibirsk (RU-NVS)
- Chelyabinsk (RU-CHE)
- Altay (RU-ALT)
- Orenburg (RU-ORE)
- Saratov (RU-SAR)
- Astrakhan' (RU-AST)
- Volgograd (RU-VGG)
- Crimea (UA-43)
- Maga Buryatdan (RU-MAG)
- Sakhalin (RU-SAK)
- Sevastopol (UA-40)
- Chukchi Autonomous Okrug (RU-CHU)
- Yamal-Nenets (RU-YAN)
- Nenets (RU-NEN)
- Sakha (Yakutia) (RU-SA)
- City of St. Petersburg (RU-SPE)
- Arkhangel'sk (RU-ARK)
- Krasnoyarsk (RU-KYA)
- Kalmyk (RU-KL)
- Kamchatka (RU-KAM)
- (RU-X01~)
- Bashkortostan (RU-BA)
- Sverdlovsk (RU-SVE)
- Khanty-Mansiy (RU-KHM)
- Lipetsk (RU-LIP)
- Tambov (RU-TAM)
- Tomsk (RU-TOM)
- Tatarstan (RU-TA)
- Ul'yanovsk (RU-ULY)
- Penza (RU-PNZ)
- Kemerovo (RU-KEM)
- Orel (RU-ORL)
- Irkutsk (RU-IRK)
- Khakass (RU-KK)
- Mordovia (RU-MO)
- Kaluga (RU-KLU)
- Kostroma (RU-KOS)
- Yaroslavl' (RU-YAR)
- Vladimir (RU-VLA)
- Ryazan' (RU-RYA)
- Ivanovo (RU-IVA)
- Nizhegorod (RU-NIZ)
- Tula (RU-TUL)
- Chuvash (RU-CU)
- Vologda (RU-VLG)
- Novgorod (RU-NGR)
- Tver' (RU-TVE)
- Moskovskaya (RU-MOW)
- Moskva (RU-MOS)
- Mariy-El (RU-ME)
- Kirov (RU-KIR)
- Udmurt (RU-UD)
- Komi (RU-KO)
- Perm' (RU-PER)
- Samara (RU-SAM)
- Stavropol' (RU-STA)
- Adygey (RU-AD)
List of major cities of Russia
- Moscow10 381 222 inhabitants
- Saint Petersburg5 028 000 inhabitants
- Novosibirsk1 419 007 inhabitants
- Yekaterinburg1 349 772 inhabitants
- Nizhniy Novgorod1 284 164 inhabitants
- Samara1 134 730 inhabitants
- Omsk1 129 281 inhabitants
- Kazan1 104 738 inhabitants
- Rostov-na-Donu1 074 482 inhabitants
- Chelyabinsk1 062 919 inhabitants
- Ufa1 033 338 inhabitants
- Volgograd1 011 417 inhabitants
- Perm982 419 inhabitants
- Krasnoyarsk927 200 inhabitants
- Saratov863 725 inhabitants
- Voronezh848 752 inhabitants
- Tol’yatti702 879 inhabitants
- Krasnodar649 851 inhabitants
- Ulyanovsk640 680 inhabitants
- Izhevsk631 038 inhabitants
- Yaroslavl606 730 inhabitants
- Barnaul599 579 inhabitants
- Vladivostok587 022 inhabitants
- Irkutsk586 695 inhabitants
- Khabarovsk579 000 inhabitants
- Khabarovsk Vtoroy578 303 inhabitants
- Orenburg550 204 inhabitants
- Novokuznetsk539 616 inhabitants
- Ryazan’520 173 inhabitants
- Tyumen519 119 inhabitants
- Lipetsk515 655 inhabitants
- Penza512 602 inhabitants
- Naberezhnyye Chelny509 870 inhabitants
- Kalininskiy504 641 inhabitants
- Astrakhan502 533 inhabitants
- Makhachkala497 959 inhabitants
- Tomsk485 519 inhabitants
- Kemerovo477 090 inhabitants
- Tula468 825 inhabitants
- Kirov457 383 inhabitants

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