Russia is the largest country in the world, stretching across Eastern Europe and northern Asia, and spanning eleven time zones. Its vast geography includes a wide range of landscapes, climates, and natural resources. In the west, European Russia features rolling plains, river valleys, and major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg. This region is home to most of the country's population and its economic and political centers.
To the east lies Siberia, a vast and sparsely populated region known for its harsh climate, dense forests (taiga), tundra, and expansive mountain ranges like the Ural and Altai. The Ural Mountains traditionally mark the boundary between Europe and Asia. Siberia is rich in natural resources, including oil, gas, timber, and minerals, but its development is limited by extreme weather and remote terrain.
In the south, Russia includes parts of the Caucasus Mountains, which are rugged and mountainous. To the north, the country reaches the Arctic Ocean, where permafrost and ice dominate the landscape. Russia's major rivers, such as the Volga, Lena, and Ob, play key roles in transportation and commerce.
This diverse geography has influenced Russia's history, culture, and economy, creating both opportunities for growth and challenges related to transportation, climate, and regional development.
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