World Geography / Unit 7: Europe and Russia
7.6 Russia
Notes
- Russia is the largest country in the world by area, spanning 11 time zones across Europe and Asia. Capital: Moscow. Another major city: St. Petersburg, founded in 1703 by Peter the Great.
- Most Russians live in the western, European part of the country. Siberia in the east is huge, cold and thinly populated but rich in oil, natural gas, coal and minerals.
- The Trans-Siberian Railroad links Moscow in the west to Vladivostok on the Pacific coast.
- Russia's economy depends heavily on exporting energy (oil and natural gas).
- Russia is a federation. Russian is the main language; Orthodox Christianity is the largest religion.
- Many Russian ports freeze in winter; this is a reason Russia has long sought warm-water ports.
Practice
Which city is the capital of Russia?
Moscow is Russia's capital and largest city; St. Petersburg was the capital in imperial times.
The Trans-Siberian Railroad is important because it
It is the longest railway line in the world.
Why is Siberia economically important despite its cold climate?
Siberia's resources drive Russia's exports.
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