The climate of Russia varies greatly from region to region. While it’s far more temperate in areas that are closer to the equator, regions farther away from the equator experience a more frigid climate. Russia’s climate has a strong east-west alignment, reflecting the influence of latitudinal variation. However, the country’s climate can be quite extreme in areas that are situated further away from water bodies, which help regulate air temperature. Water is also more absorbent of temperature changes than land.
The capital city of Russia is Moscow, which is the centre of political power, culture, and trade. Russia’s second largest city, St. Petersburg, is the former imperial capital. It is located on the Baltic Sea. The state seal of Russia is a double-headed eagle. The Russian Empire was defeated in World War I, and the USSR was created. Today, the country is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with many historical sites and monuments.
Western leaders are under no illusion about Putin’s intentions. US President Joe Biden recently called Putin a war criminal. France and Germany see the conflict in Ukraine as a turning point in history. President Putin is stunned at the outburst of western reaction to his invasion. Sanctions threaten to cut the country’s economy by 10% this year. The central bank has its assets frozen, while major banks have been banned from using the SWIFT payment network.
In addition to a massive press, Russia has an extensive network of television stations. Over four hundred newspapers are published every day in Russia. However, television remains the primary source of news for Russian citizens. The leading national networks are either state-owned or owned by companies with close ties to the Kremlin. In addition to television channels, Russia also has an international English-language news station, RT. This station is a prime example of the kind of content that can be found in Russia.
In addition to literature and art, Russia has an extensive history. Its population peaked at more than 148 million in the early 1990s. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Russia’s population declined rapidly. This has been partly attributed to the low birth rate and a push to encourage immigration. Today, the Russian Federation guarantees the right to speak your native language and creates the conditions necessary to study it. Its population will remain stable and may increase to 146 million by 2050, depending on how many people are born.
Natural features of Russia are very diverse. Located on the northeastern part of the Eurasian landmass, Russia is bordered by the Pacific Ocean, the Arctic Ocean, the Black Sea, and the Caspian Sea. In the north, there is the Ural Mountains, which traditionally formed a barrier between Europe and Asia. This range of mountains was a significant hindrance to the development of the country. The vast majority of land is used for forest and woodland, with only a small percentage for arable farming.