As one of the best and most powerful countries in the world, Russia is located in the north of Asia and the northeast of Europe. Strong economy, access to numerous natural resources, strong vegetation, neighborhood with many seas, high military strength, medical, educational and tourism infrastructure, all have made Russia known as one of the best countries in the world to live in. This country is known as the largest country in the world with more than 17 million square kilometers. Today, in this article, we are going to fully introduce and review the country of Russia. Stay with us.
Russia, a vast land as old as history
Russia is the largest land in the world and one of the coldest countries in the world, which is jointly located in the continent of Asia and Europe. The population of this country is 145 million people who speak Russian and live in the largest country in the world with an area of 17 million square kilometers. The capital of Russia is Moscow, which is considered one of the most populous and culturally important cities in the world. With its geographical diversity, Russia has different climates such as continental regions, the shores of the Caspian Sea and the Red Sea, lush forests and polar regions. The climate and cold winters in many parts of the country are one of the important features of this country. With its ancient history and rich culture, this country is known as a pioneer in the fields of art, science and literature.
The history of Russia includes different periods, including different governments, from the Middle Ages to the time of the tsar and Soviet Russia. It is worth noting that this country has rich natural resources that have greatly contributed to its economic growth. In addition, strong education, advanced health system and modern urban infrastructure have made Russian citizens enjoy good living conditions. Stay with us to provide you with more information about this country.
History of Russia
The history of Russia has a rich story full of ups and downs, huge conquests, powerful empires, bloody revolutions and tremendous political developments. This vast land in Eastern Europe and North Asia has witnessed the passage of time and the rise and fall of different governments and has played a significant role in world history.
Ancient and Middle Ages
Slavic roots: Russia’s history goes back to the East Slavic ethnic groups in Eastern Europe. These tribes united with each other during the Middle Ages and formed the core of the Russian government.
Rus-Kiev: In the 9th century, the most powerful Eastern Slavic state, “Rus-Kiev” was established. By accepting Orthodox Christianity from the Byzantine Empire, this state became the cultural and religious center of the Eastern Slavs.
Mongol invasion: In the 13th century, the Mongols, led by Genghis Khan, conquered Rus’ Kiev and captured it. This attack was the beginning of the 200-year period of Mongol domination over Russian lands.
Rise of Moscow: After the collapse of the Mongol Empire, the Principality of Moscow gradually increased its power in the region. Ivan III, Prince of Moscow, by uniting the other principalities and freeing them from the Mongol yoke, laid the groundwork for the formation of the modern Russian state.
Empire era
Tsars of Russia: In the 16th century, Ivan IV, known as “Ivan the Terrible”, called himself the first Tsar of Russia. The tsars ruled the country with absolute power and expanded their territory dramatically.
Peter the Great: Peter the Great, the reformist tsar of the 18th century, inspired by the West, carried out extensive modernization in Russia and turned the country into a military and economic power. He also made the city of St. Petersburg the new capital of Russia.
Growing Power: During the 19th century, the Russian Empire reached the height of its power. This country won many wars and expanded its territory to Central Asia and the Far East.
Revolution and collapse
Revolution of 1905: Following Russia’s defeat in the war with Japan, public dissatisfaction with the Tsar’s rule reached its peak and in 1905, the Revolution of 1905 took place. The revolution led to the formation of the State Duma, Russia’s first parliament, but failed to abolish the absolute power of the Tsar.
Revolution of 1917: In 1917, two separate revolutions took place in Russia. The February Revolution led to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II and the formation of a provisional government, but in October of the same year, the Bolshevik Revolution led by Vladimir Lenin handed power to the Communists.
Soviet Union: Communists founded the Soviet Union. This vast country included 15 republics, including Russia, and was ruled under communist rule for 70 years.
contemporary era
Collapse of the Soviet Union: In 1991, the Soviet Union collapsed and Russia was re-established as an independent country.
Post-collapse era: After the collapse, Russia has faced many economic and political challenges. However, in recent years, this country has gradually regained its stability and achieved an important position in the international arena.
Russia today
Today, Russia is a vast and powerful country with a population of about 144 million people. The country has rich natural resources, including oil, gas and mineral resources. Russia has also made extensive progress in the fields of science, technology, health, tourism, economy, military, etc., to be recognized as one of the superpowers of the world today.
Geography of Russia
Russia, the largest country in the world, with an area of 17 million square kilometers, occupies one-ninth of the earth’s landmass and is located in two continents, Europe and Asia. The north of Russia is located in the polar region and is covered with icy coasts and tundra. This area is rarely habitable due to extreme cold and absolute darkness in winter. The Volga, Don and Northern Dvina rivers are among the most important rivers of Russia that pass through the west of this country and play an important role in transportation and agriculture. Also, the Caucasus mountain range, which is located on the southern border of Russia with Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia, has the highest mountains in this country.
Russia has access to 13 seas, the most important of which are the Baltic Sea, the Caspian Sea, and the Black Sea.
Weather in Russia
Russia, the largest country in the world, has considerable climate diversity due to its vast size. From north to south and from west to east, this country witnesses different climates, including arctic, continental, temperate and humid. Join us to explore the weather of different regions of Russia.
The northern part of Russia, in the Arctic region, has a polar climate. This region is characterized by very cold and long winters (up to 9 months) and short and cool summers (about 3 months). The average winter temperature in this region can reach -30 degrees Celsius and the average summer temperature can reach 10 degrees Celsius.
In the western regions of Russia, including Moscow, it has a humid continental climate. This region is characterized by cold winters (average temperature up to -10°C) and hot summers (average temperature up to 20°C). Rainfall in this region is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year. It is worth noting that this part of Russia has strong vegetation.
Southern Russia, especially the Caucasus region, has a temperate climate. This region is characterized by mild winters (average temperature up to 5°C) and hot summers (average temperature up to 25°C). Rainfall in this area occurs mainly in winter. This area is suitable for agriculture and various grains, fruits and vegetables are grown in it.
But in the eastern regions of Russia, where Siberia is one of the most important cities, it has a dry continental climate. This region is characterized by very cold winters (average temperature up to -40°C) and hot summers (average temperature up to 20°C). Rainfall in this area is low and irregular.
The most important cities of Russia
Like all countries in the world, Russia also has important cities that are important in different aspects. Join us to introduce 5 important cities of this country in this episode.
Moscow
First, let’s introduce the most important city of Russia, Moscow. It is the capital of Russia and the largest city of this country, which is located in the west of Russia. The ancient history of this city goes back thousands of years. Moscow is the cultural, economic and political center of the country and has many historical attractions including temples, palaces, museums and theaters. The population of this city is around 13 million people, which makes it the second busiest city in Europe. In addition, Moscow is known as the eleventh most populated city in the world. The Kremlin Palace is an ancient fortress in this city that is the residence of the President of Russia and the residence of the government of this country. Moscow is at a very high level in terms of being advanced, so that it is considered one of the most expensive cities in Europe.
Saint Petersburg
But now it’s time to examine the second most important city in Russia. Saint Petersburg, the second largest city in Russia, formerly known as Leningrad, is located in northwestern Russia. This city is known as one of the most important cultural and historical centers in Europe and has valuable historical and architectural buildings. It is interesting to know that St. Petersburg has been the capital of Russia for more than two hundred years and is still known as the cultural capital of Russia today. According to the latest census, the population of this city is around 6 million people, which makes it one of the busiest cities in Europe. This city accommodated about 15 million tourists in 2018, which is a large number.
Sochi
Sochi is one of the tourist cities in Russia, which is also located on the western border of this country. It is interesting to know that the city of Sochi is also known as the longest city in Europe. The length of this city reaches 145 km, which is very interesting in its own way. Also, Sochi is often known as the summer capital of Russia, so millions of people travel to this city every year to enjoy the beautiful beaches of Sochi. This city does not have a large population, and generally its population does not even reach one million people, and it is considered one of the lonely cities of Russia. In late spring and early summer, a huge flood of tourists enter this beautiful city and enjoy its beautiful beaches, modern shopping centers, eye-catching nature and quality restaurants.
Yekaterinburg
Another important city of Russia, located in the Ural region and economically and industrially important, is the city of Yekaterinburg, which has a very ancient history and rich cultural heritage. The city of Yekaterinburg is located in the southwest of Russia and has a much better and more balanced climate than other regions of the country. The population of this city is estimated at around two million people, most of which are native people, along with people who came to Russia to find new job opportunities.
Kazan
But finally, it is time to examine the city of Kazan, another historical and cultural city of Russia. Kazan is the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan and one of the cultural and historical cities of Russia. This city has different architectural styles, magnificent mosques, palaces and various museums that depict Tatar history and culture. Today, the population of this city is around 1.5 million people. In 2009, the city of Kazan was also chosen as the sports capital of Russia. It is interesting to know that the city of Kazan, which is located in the eastern part of the country, has a very young population, so that more than 40% of the population of this city is less than 30 years old. You should also know that in the city of Kazan, people have two different ethnicities.
Tourist attractions of Russia
Red Square - Moscow
Red Square is the beating heart of Moscow and one of the most famous squares in the world. This historical square, which was built in the 15th century, has been the place of important events in the history of Russia. Red Square is home to many historical and religious monuments, including St. Basil’s Cathedral, Lenin’s Mausoleum, Spasskaya Tower, and the State Museum of Russian History. This square is always full of tourists and local people who go there to see the magnificent architecture, participate in various ceremonies or eat in the restaurants and cafes around it.
Kremlin-Moscow complex
The Kremlin is a complex of palaces, churches and gardens located in the center of Moscow. This complex, which has been the residence of tsars, presidents and leaders of Russia since the 12th century, is considered one of the most important symbols of the power and history of this country. Visitors to the Kremlin Palace can visit various buildings in this complex, such as the Assumption Cathedral, the Winter Palace, the Diamond Room, and the Senate Tower. Also, a unique treasure of jewels, crowns and historical objects are kept in this collection.
Hermitage Museum - St. Petersburg
The Hermitage Museum is one of the largest and most famous museums in the world. Located in the city of Saint Petersburg, this museum houses a unique collection of works of art, historical objects, and cultural treasures from around the world. The Hermitage Museum houses more than 3 million works of art, including paintings by great masters such as Da Vinci, Rembrandt, and Monet, antique sculptures, jewelry, and ancient objects from Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Visiting the Hermitage Museum is a journey deep into the history and art of humanity and will bring an unforgettable experience to every tourist.
Katerina Palace - St. Petersburg
This luxurious and beautiful palace is located in the 18th century and 30 kilometers from St. Petersburg. The white and blue facade, along with the aristocratic decorations inside this palace, has made it one of the most attractive tourist attractions in St. Petersburg and Russia. The reason why this palace was named Catherine dates back to the time when the Swedes dominated this place. When Peter the Great was able to take control of this area after the war with Sweden and victory against them, he gifted this palace to his wife and named this place in honor of his wife, Catherine.
Lake Baikal - Siberia
This beautiful and touristic lake is located in the southern part of Eastern Siberia in the Republic of Buryatia and Irkutsk Oblast of Russia. The area of this lake is 31,500 square kilometers and it is also known as the oldest fresh water lake in the world. The surrounding of this lake by high mountains around it makes it have an attractive view. Also, being exposed to many earthquakes has caused many mineral springs to be located under it today. This lake is exposed to more than 2000 earthquakes every year, which causes the depth of this lake to increase compared to before.
Economy of Russia
The Russian economy is the largest economy in Eastern Europe and the 11th largest economy in the world in terms of gross domestic product (GDP). The country has abundant natural resources, including oil, gas, metals, and timber. A major part of the Russian economy is based on the export of these goods to other countries. Among the strengths of the Russian economy, we can mention having a huge part of natural resources such as oil and gas, having a skilled workforce and a large domestic market. Russia also has many opportunities for economic growth. This country has a strategic geographical location between Europe and Asia and can act as a commercial and transportation center between these two continents. In addition, Russia has significant potential to develop its information and communication technology (ICT) sector.
But if we want to examine the weak points of this country’s economy, we must say that the Russian economy is highly dependent on the export of raw materials, especially oil and gas. This makes the country vulnerable to global commodity price fluctuations. Since 2014, Russia has been under Western economic sanctions due to the annexation of Crimea. These sanctions have damaged the Russian economy and caused a decrease in economic growth and an increase in the inflation rate.
The future of the Russian economy depends on various factors, including global commodity prices, political stability, and domestic economic reforms. If Russia can reduce its dependence on raw material exports, curb corruption, and continue economic reforms, it can achieve sustained and strong economic growth.
The state of treatment in Russia
Russia’s healthcare infrastructure includes a public health system and a network of hospitals, clinics, and health centers that operate throughout the country. Russia has several public hospitals that provide general and specialized medical services. These hospitals are controlled and monitored through the Ministry of Health and other government institutions. In Russia, there are specialized centers such as heart centers, cancer centers, rehabilitative and physical therapy centers, and maternal and child care centers that provide specialized medical and therapeutic services. This country has very skilled and experienced doctors and specialists in various medical fields. These doctors can provide quality medical services and many of them have international experience. You should also know that this country has experienced many advances in the field of drug manufacturing and new treatment methods.
Study in Russia
Nowadays, many people immigrate to Russia to study. Studying in Russian universities is possible at bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels. It is also possible to participate in Russian language courses in this country. For each course and university, there may be other required conditions and documents, so it is better to carefully check the relevant conditions and requirements before starting a detailed study.
But in relation to foreign students, there are special conditions in Russia. For this purpose, you must submit a valid certificate of the previous level to the desired university to start studying at any level. Note that in Russian universities, educational programs are usually offered in Russian. For this reason, it is necessary to have a relative mastery of this language so that there is no problem. Finally, it is suggested that before starting the entry and registration process, carefully check the relevant conditions and requirements and make sure that you have all the required documents and conditions. Join us to review 3 of the top universities in Russia.
The best universities of Russia
Moscow State University, founded in 1755, is the oldest and most prestigious university in Russia. Throughout its history, this university has delivered outstanding scientists, writers and politicians to the society. MSU offers a wide range of study programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. This university has a global reputation in fields such as basic sciences, humanities, social sciences, engineering and medicine. Today, Moscow State University is ranked 90th among the top universities in the world. MSU has more than 45,000 students from all over Russia and the world.
HSE was founded in 1999 and quickly became one of the top universities in Russia, and today this university is known for its innovative approach to education and research and welcomes more than 20 thousand Russian and international students. The university focuses on social sciences, economics, management and computer science and also offers a number of joint international programs with prestigious universities around the world. According to QS ranking, this university has managed to be among the top 330 universities in the world.
The Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology was founded in 1946 and is recognized as one of the top technical universities in Russia, which today focuses on teaching and research in the fields of physics, mathematics, engineering and computer science. MIPT’s main campus is located in northern Moscow, but it also has several research branches throughout Russia. The Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology offers a wide range of study programs at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels. The university is known for its strong programs in theoretical physics, applied mathematics, and computer engineering.
National ceremonies of Russia
Maslenitsa (Масленица)
Maslitsa, an ancient Russian festival also known as the “Cheese Festival”, takes place in the seventh week before Easter. This spring celebration symbolizes saying goodbye to winter and welcoming the summer season. During Maslitsa, Russians mourn winter by eating traditional foods such as blini (thin pancakes), cheese, and eggs. Also, various events such as sledding, dancing and singing are held in this celebration. One of the interesting Maslitsa traditions is the burning of the “Winter Woman”. This straw doll is a symbol of winter, and by burning it, Russian people show their hope for the coming of spring.
Ivan Kupala (Ива́н Купа́ла)
Ivan Kupala, an ancient Russian holiday also known as the “summer birthday”, takes place on the night of July 6 or 7. It is celebrated in honor of John the Baptist, one of the Christian saints, and also as a celebration of fertility and abundance. During Ivan Kupala, Russians welcome summer by wearing white clothes and decorating their homes with flowers. Also, various ceremonies such as lighting the fire, dancing around the fire, and jumping over the fire are held in this celebration. Russian people believe that water is healing on this night, so they swim or wash themselves in rivers and lakes.
Maslina (Масленица)
Maslina, a Russian religious holiday also known as “Forgiveness Sunday”, is celebrated on the last Sunday before Easter. This festival is dedicated to fasting and seeking forgiveness from sins. During Maslina, Russian people ask God for forgiveness by going to church and confessing their sins. Also, on this day, people ask for each other’s forgiveness and reconcile by kissing and hugging each other. Maslina is an opportunity for Russian people to gather with their family and friends and welcome Easter in peace.
National Day
But the National Day of Russia is celebrated on the occasion of the independence from the Soviet Union in 1990. The date of this ceremony is on June 12 every year and people all over Russia celebrate on this day. The day is celebrated with various events including fireworks displays, traditional dances, concerts, and flag hoisting across the country. On this day, people celebrate by remembering the era of independence and pride in their country.
Obtaining Russian residence
Nowadays, many people immigrate in order to obtain new and better job opportunities. Russia has also faced a labor shortage in recent years. People who work continuously in Russia for about 5 years can apply for permanent Russian residence.
One of the best ways to immigrate to any country is to invest in that country. Mainly, the investments that are made in the purchase of property, bank deposits or the purchase of shares of government bonds are among the safest methods of investment in a foreign country. Russia is no exception to this opinion. This country, like other member countries of the Schengen Agreement, has provided special conditions for foreign investors so that they can bring good capital into the country.
First of all, we must say that today Russian girls are facing a marriage crisis. The number of boys of marriageable age in this country is not enough and this issue has caused this crisis. This crisis has become so serious that sometimes single girls in Russia hold demonstrations. Today, the Russian government has provided special facilities for people who marry Russian citizens, such as bonuses and various loans, as well as granting Russian permanent residence.
Russian universities have good educational quality. This issue has caused many young people to enter this country to study. People who study in Russia and manage to find a related job after graduation can apply for permanent residence.
We knew that Russia can be a good choice for immigration or travel for a group of people. A country with a cold climate that has a valuable historical culture. By being a member of the Schengen Agreement, this country allows its nationals and citizens to have the opportunity to travel to 26 European countries easily and hassle-free with a Schengen visa. Thank you for joining us in this article. As you have seen, in this article, we introduced and reviewed Russia completely. We hope that the information presented in this article was useful for you. Nobility Immigration Institute specializes in the field of consulting for obtaining residence in European countries that are members of the Schengen Agreement and consulting for obtaining Schengen visas. You can contact us for more information and advice.