Russia

Founded in the 12th century, the Principality of Muscovy emerged from over 200 years of Mongol domination (13th-15th centuries) and gradually conquered and absorbed surrounding principalities. In the early 17th century, a new ROMANOV dynasty continued this policy of expansion across Siberia to the Pacific. Under PETER I (1682-1725), hegemony was extended to the Baltic Sea and the country was renamed the Russian Empire. During the 19th century, more territorial acquisitions were made in Europe and Asia.

Capital

Moscow

Government

semi-presidential federation

Population

140,134,279

Area

17,098,242 sq km

Location

North Asia bordering the Arctic Ocean, extending from Eastern Europe (the portion west of the Urals) to the North Pacific Ocean

Climate

ranges from steppes in the south through humid continental in much of European Russia;

Natural resources

wide natural-resource base including major deposits of oil; natural gas; coal; and many strategic minerals; bauxite; reserves of rare earth elements…

Languages

Russian (official) 85.7%; Tatar 3.2%; Chechen 1%; other 10.1%

Religions

Russian Orthodox 15-20%; Muslim 10-15%; other Christian 2%

Independence

25 December 1991 (from the Soviet Union; Russian SFSR renamed Russian Federation);

Administrative divisions

46 provinces (oblasti, singular - oblast), 21 republics (respubliki, singular - respublika), 4 autonomous districts (avt…

Currency

Russian rubles (RUB)

Export partners

China 33%; India 17%; Turkey 8%; Kazakhstan 4%…

Import partners

China 53%; Turkey 5%; Germany 5%; Kazakhstan 5%…

Source: CIA World Factbook — a work of the US government, in the public domain

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