Overview of Russia: Geography, Government, and Recent Developments

Russia, the world’s largest country, spans Eastern Europe and Northern Asia, covering a vast and diverse landscape. With a population of over 146 million people, it is a federal semi-presidential republic led by President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. The country’s complex history, from the Kievan Rus’ to the Soviet Union and its current form, has shaped its modern identity.

Geography and Demographics

Russia’s territory extends across 17,098,246 square kilometers, making it the largest country globally. Its geography includes regions such as the Russian Plain, the Ural Mountains, and the Central Siberian Plateau. The country experiences a wide range of climates, from Arctic deserts in the north to temperate forests in the west.

Demographically, Russia is predominantly ethnic Russian (71.7%), with significant Tatar, Bashkir, and Chechen communities. The population is predominantly Christian, with Eastern Orthodoxy being