Geography of Russia

If you google “geography of Russia”, you’d quickly learn that it’s the world’s largest country in terms of landmass. But is that all there is to know? To truly appreciate what Russia has to offer, let’s take a closer look. What makes Russia so special when it comes to geography?

Russia is split into two primary parts - European Russia and Asian Russia (also known as Siberia). The European part covers more than half of the country, but Asian Russia includes the rest and is famous for its beautiful mountains, plains, and forests.

Russia’s Topography

Most of Russia is covered by the Russian Plain. This vast plain stretches from the North European Plain in the west all the way to the Ural Mountains in the east and contains many habitats such as on the steppes, mountains, and tundra.

Many of the largest rivers in Europe, such as the Volga, Don, and Ural, to be found here. They are a major geographical feature and are used to transport goods and provide water to the country’s many cities. They also provide an excellent source of hydroelectric power to the country.
Denis Arslanbekov @ Unsplash

The Ural Mountains form the natural border between Europe and Asia and are a major mountain range. They are relatively low in altitude, topping out with Mount Narodnaya standing at 1,895 meters. To the east and southeast are larger mountain ranges, because of their density, they remain virtually unexplored.

Aside from the mountains, the Siberian region of the country is surrounded by nature, such as the taiga. This is a type of forest that stretches from the Poles and covers much of northern Russia and provides a much needed home to the country’s many plants and wildlife.

Climate in Russia

Climate in Russia is much like the U.S./Canada. In the south and west, the climate is temperate with warm summers and cold winters and rainfall distributed fairly evenly throughout the year. Whereas in the east and north, the climate is extreme. Steady summer temperatures reach over 37 degree Celsius and the temperatures in winter drop to below -37 degree Celsius.

Because of the extreme climate, much of the population lives in the more temperate regions of the country.

Life in Russia

Russia’s geography has greatly shaped the culture and history of the country. Its expansive area allows for all sorts of lifestyles, accommodating numerous different ethnic groups and religions. The majority of the population lives in urban areas. A large percentage of the population are Russian Orthodox followers, while a small portion of the population follows other religions such as Islam or Judaism.

Exploring Russia can be an incredible experience, as there are so many amazing places to visit, such as Lake Baikal, the deepest lake in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the lively and vibrant city of Moscow; picturesque towns like Suzdal; and beautiful natural landscapes like the Kamchatka Peninsula.

It’s easy to understand why Russia has so many unique attractions and why it’s a destination of choice for many travelers.
Jonathan Knepper @ Unsplash

Conclusion

To understand Russia is to understand its geography. From the rolling plains of the Russian Plain to the wild and untamed mountain ranges, Russia offers breathtaking beauty for travelers to explore. From the temperate climate to a rich culture, it’s an amazing country full of history and beauty.

No matter where you go in Russia, it’s sure to be a memorable experience – an experience that’s impossible to replicate anywhere else in the world.