Geography of Russia

The Geography of Russia is vast and diverse, encompassing a wide range of environments and landforms. Russia is the largest country in the world, covering more than 17 million square kilometers, and it spans across Eastern Europe and northern Asia. This article provides an overview of the geographical features, climate, and natural resources of Russia.

Geographical Features

Topography

Russia's topography is varied, with extensive plains, mountain ranges, and vast plateaus. The country can be divided into several major geographical regions:

• The East European Plain, also known as the Russian Plain, is a vast lowland area that extends from the western borders of Russia to the Ural Mountains. It is characterized by flat terrain and is home to many of Russia's major cities, including Moscow and Saint Petersburg.

• The Ural Mountains form a natural boundary between Europe and Asia. They extend from the Arctic Ocean in the north to the Ural River and northwestern Kazakhstan in the south. The Urals are rich in minerals and have historically been a significant mining region.

• The West Siberian Plain is one of the largest flatland areas in the world, stretching from the Urals to the Yenisei River. It is characterized by extensive wetlands and is sparsely populated.

• The Central Siberian Plateau lies between the Yenisei and Lena rivers. It is a region of rolling hills and deep river valleys.

• The Siberian Mountains include several ranges such as the Altai Mountains, Sayan Mountains, and the Verkhoyansk Range. These areas are known for their rugged terrain and harsh climates.

• The Russian Far East includes the Kamchatka Peninsula, known for its volcanic activity, and the Sikhote-Alin Mountains.

Rivers and Lakes

Russia is home to some of the world's longest rivers and largest lakes. Major rivers include:

• The Volga River, the longest river in Europe, flows through central Russia and drains into the Caspian Sea.
• The Ob River, Yenisei River, and Lena River are major rivers in Siberia, flowing northward into the Arctic Ocean.
• The Amur River forms part of the border between Russia and China.

Russia also contains numerous large lakes, including:

• Lake Baikal, the world's deepest and oldest freshwater lake, located in Siberia.
• The Caspian Sea, the world's largest enclosed inland body of water, bordered by Russia to the north.

Climate

Russia's climate is predominantly continental, with long, cold winters and short, warm summers. The climate varies significantly across the country:

• The European part of Russia experiences a humid continental climate, with milder winters and warmer summers.
• Siberia is known for its harsh continental climate, with extremely cold winters and short summers.
• The Russian Far East has a monsoonal climate, with wet summers and dry winters.
• The southern regions, such as the Caucasus, have a more temperate climate.

Natural Resources

Russia is rich in natural resources, including vast reserves of oil, natural gas, coal, and minerals. The country is one of the world's leading producers of energy and raw materials. The Siberian region is particularly rich in resources, with significant deposits of oil and natural gas.

Also see

• History of Russia
• Economy of Russia
• Demographics of Russia
• Politics of Russia
• Culture of Russia