Russia, or the Russian Federation, is the largest country on Earth, stretching across both Europe and Asia. Russia spans 11 time zones and is surrounded by the Pacific, the Atlantic and the Arctic Ocean. Much of the country is cold, harsh and desolate. Few people live in these areas. However, Russia does have fertile farmland, natural resources and mineral deposits.
For most of the 20th century, Russia was the seat of the communist state. Known as the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), its power extended throughout Eastern Europe and parts of Asia. In 1991, communism collapsed and several states within the USSR declared independence. These states are now independent countries. Russia – and the newly formed countries – is slowly moving toward Westernized democracy. The process has not been easy.
Fun Facts All About the Russian Federation for Kids
- The Russian countryside is so large that it includes many types of terrain, including deserts, forests and frozen tundra. Siberia, which covers three-fourths of the country, is a cold forested area.
- Vladimir Putin is the current president of Russia (data taken June 2018)
- Over 143,000,000 people live in Russia (Data taken 2018)
- The Russian Ruble is the currency used in Russia.
- Russia is home to many kinds of animals, including bears, seals, reindeer and Siberian tigers, the world’s largest tiger.
- The tallest mountain in Russia is Mount Elbrus, standing at 5,642 m. In fact Mount Elbrus is the tallest mountain in Europe.
- The longest river in Russia is the river Lena, flowing for 4,294 km.
- Based in southern Siberia, Lake Baikal is not only the largest freshwater lake in Russia, it is the largest freshwater lake in the world
- Russia was first settled by Scandinavians around 500 A.D. The country has a long history and is known for its poets, writers and artists. The Russian Ballet is known worldwide.
- Russia shares the longest geographical land border on earth with Kazakhstan.
- During the years of communist rule, all businesses and farms were owned by the government. Organized religious worship was illegal, and newspapers and media were not allowed free speech.
- Today, the Russian Orthodox Church has reopened monasteries and churches across the country.
- Russians are struggling to earn a living in the new economy. Crime is a big problem and many people are angry and suspicious.
- Thousands of Russian men were killed during World War II, and today, there are still more women than men. Women work in factories, drive trains or become doctors, dentists and teachers.
- Based on 2018 information taken from the US EIA (Energy Information Administration) Russia produces 11.2 barrels of oil per day. Only the United States and Saudi Arabia produce more.
The Russian Federation Vocabulary
- Communism: a form of government in which all property is owned by the government. People work according to their skills and are given only what they need.
- Organized religious worship: public religious worship at churches and synagogues
- Illegal: against the law
- Suspicious: distrustful
Learn More All About the Russian Federation
Watch this awesome video all about the Russian Federation video for kids:
This is a graphic visual aid of the history of Russia.
The Russian Federation Q&A
Question: What are the main foods in Russia?
Answer: In the past, people ate mostly potatoes, grain, oil and sugar, which aren’t very healthy. Vodka – a type of alcohol – is a favorite drink. Today, people can buy more fresh fruits and vegetables.
Map of the Russian Federation
Here’s a map of the country of the Russian Federation and all its cities and villages. Zoom in to get into street level or zoom out to see other countries around the Russian Federation! You can see the terrain, but also see the roads, images of the buildings and even take a 3D tour through the streets of the cities of the Russian Federation, as though you are actually there!
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