Russia
Geography
The Russian Federation, colloquially known as Russia, holds the distinction of being the largest country globally, occupying over one-eighth of the Earth's inhabited land area. Its vast expanse encompasses eleven time zones and a diverse range of environments and landscapes, from arid deserts and semiarid steppes to dense forests and the frigid Arctic tundra. The country's geographical features are primarily characterized by the Ural Mountains and the expansive Siberian Plain.
Russia boasts a broad natural resource base, including significant deposits of timber, petroleum, natural gas, coal, ores, and other mineral resources, which play a crucial role in its economy.
History
The historical narrative of Russia commences with the East Slavs. The traditional inception of distinctly Russian history is marked by the establishment of the Rus' state in the north in 862, under the rule of the Varangians. This state adopted Christianity from the Byzantine Empire in 988, triggering the synthesis of Byzantine and Slavic cultures that would define Russian culture for the subsequent millennium.
Politics
Politically, Russia is a federal semi-presidential republic. The federal government is composed of three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. The President of Russia serves as the head of state, presiding over a multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government, led by the Prime Minister, who is appointed by the President with the parliament's approval.
Economy
Russia operates a mixed economy, underpinned by enormous natural resources, particularly oil and natural gas. It ranks as the 11th largest economy in the world by nominal GDP and the 6th largest by purchasing power parity (PPP). Since the advent of the 21st century, increased domestic consumption and greater political stability have bolstered economic growth in Russia.
Culture
The culture of Russia has a long and rich history, deeply rooted in literature, ballet, painting, and classical music. While outsiders may perceive the country as drab, Russia has a very vibrant cultural past, from its colorful folk costumes to its ornate religious symbols.
