The Russian Federation (Russia for short) is the largest country in the world. In this vast land, the ancient Volga River nursed the great Russian nationality. For numerous years, the people in the land have created the culture and art that are unique to Russia. Discover this special land in the world, you will find that it is so charming to express by words.



Fast Facts of Russia


Location: In eastern part of Europe and the northern part of Asia. On its east is the Pacific Ocean and in the west are the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Finland. Neighboring countries in its northwest are Norway and Finland, in its west are Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and White Russia, in its southwest is Ukraine, in south are Georgia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, and in its southeast are China, Mongolia and North Korea. It faces Japan and the United States of America across the seas.
Territory: 17.0754 million sq. km. Traversing the Eurasia, it is 5,592 miles in length and 2,486 miles in width. Most territories in Europe are plain.
Population: 142 million until 2007.
Nationality: Owing over 130 nationalities in all. Russian nationality accounts for 82.95%. Other nationalities include the Ukrainian, Tartar, Chuvash and Byelorussian.
Language: Russian is the official language. Languages that the ethnic minorities used differ.
Religion: Most people believe in Eastern Orthodox Church and part is adherent to Islam.
Climate: Mainly continental climate. Average temperature is -1℃ to -37℃ and in July is 11℃ to 27℃.
Capital City and Other Important Cities: Capital: Moscow; Important Cities: St. Petersburg, Suzdal, Vladimir, Irkutsk and Vladivostok.
Important Festivals: New Year's Day, Victory Day, Easter Day, Women's Day, and May Day.



Famous Attractions in Russia


In Moscow, the capital of Russia and St. Petersburg, the second largest city, there are many historic relics. Following are some worth seeing ones.

Kremlin: In center of Moscow and close to the Moscow River. It was once the principality of Moscow and the imperial palace of Czar before the 18 century.
Red Square: The oldest square in Moscow and is adjacent to Kremlin.
Peter the Great’s Summer Palace: In the northern bank of the Gulf of Finland and about 19 miles to St. Petersburg. It was the suburban palace for Czar of Russia in past dynasties.
Winter Palace: Located on the St Petersburg Palace Square, it was once the imperial palace of czar.
Smolny: A three-storey elegant building in St. Petersburg. Built from 1806 to 1808, it was once the women's college in the history.
Bolshoi Theatre of Russia: The oldest theatre in Moscow built in 1776.
Pushkin Square: In center of Moscow. Called Austerity Square in history for there built the abbey on the square. In 1937, to commemorate the hundredth anniversary of the great poet Pushkin's death, the government changed the name of the square into Pushkin Square.
Arbat Street: One of the symbols of Moscow which is close to the Moscow River.