Russia, officially the Russian Federation, is a huge country that covers much of Eastern Europe and North Asia. It borders the Arctic Ocean, Bering Sea, and the Sea of Okhotsk in the east, and it shares land borders with 14 countries: Azerbaijan, Belarus, China, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, North Korea, Russia, Slovakia, and Ukraine.

Despite its size, Russia is very well-connected. Many cities are served by direct flights and the Trans-Siberian Railway links Moscow with other major cities. If you are traveling to Russia by car, it is necessary to obtain an international driving permit before arriving. The main airports are in Moscow and St. Petersburg and several other cities host domestic and international terminals. Airfares are generally less expensive when booked as far in advance as possible and midweek departures are usually cheaper than weekend departures.

If you plan on traveling by train, it is best to book a seat on a second-class car. The seats are wider and more comfortable, and you will be able to enjoy the views along the way. The subway systems in the big cities are also excellent and can get you around with ease, even on weekends. The food in Russia is quite varied and you will find everything from sushi to caviar. You can also sample a lot of different vodkas.

A few words of Russian will go a long way in the country. The locals will appreciate you making the effort and you will feel more at home. If you do not have time to learn the language, there are free online lessons available.

Russia is an ancient country with a rich culture that is still prevalent today. There are museums and galleries that highlight the history of the country, as well as sites of natural beauty. You can also visit a variety of theaters and other performance venues to see the entertainment that is on offer.

The czars expanded their territorial power to create the Russian Empire, but they also implemented far-reaching reforms. Peter the Great established an imperial court, introduced western-style education, and fought European countries in alliances to secure his nation’s position on the world stage.

In the early 1900s, Russian expansion in Manchuria led to war with Japan and contributed to the outbreak of World War I, which Russia fought alongside the Allies. During the 1920s, a revolution overthrew the Tsar and created the Soviet Union.

The current president is Vladimir PUTIN, who rules Russia as a centralized authoritarian regime, relying on managed elections and populist appeals to legitimize his rule. He focuses on expanding Russia’s geopolitical influence and commodity-based economic growth.