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10-May-24

By: Ahmad Shouban

Geography-T. Norma
HW-1
 1.Russia
Country Profile
1)Name and Money
Official Name: Rossiyskaya Federatsiya
Short form: Rossiya
Int'l long form: Russian Federation
Int'l short form: Russia
Former: Russian Empire, Russian Soviet Federative Socialist
Republic
2)Time and Government
ISO Country Code: ru, RUS
Actual Time: Moscow, Saint-Petersburg:
Local Time = UTC +3h
Country Calling Code: +7
Capital City: Moscow (pop. 12.5 million)
Government: Federation.
Independence: 24 August 1991.
3)Geography and Weather
Location: Northern Asia, bordering the Arctic Ocean, between
Eastern Europe and the North Pacific Ocean
Area: 17 million km² (6.5 million sq. mi.)
Climate: Northern continental, from subarctic to subtropical.
4)People and Resources
Nationality: Russian(s).
Population: 145.8 million (in 2021)
Ethnic groups: Russian 81%, Tatar 4%, Ukrainian 3%, other
12%.
Religion: Russian Orthodox, Islam, Judaism, Roman
Catholicism, Protestant, Buddhist, other.
Language: Russian (official); more than 140 other languages
and dialects.
Natural resources: Petroleum, natural gas, timber, furs,
precious and nonferrous metals.
Agriculture products: Grain, sugar beets, sunflower seed,
vegetables, fruits, beef, and milk.
5) Export and Import
Exports partners: China 14%, Netherlands 10%, Belarus 5%,
Germany 5% (2019)- (commodities: petroleum and petroleum
products, natural gas, metals, wood and wood products,
chemicals, etc…)
Imports partners: China 20%, Germany 13%, Belarus 6%
(2019)- (commodities: machinery, vehicles, pharmaceutical
products, plastic, etc…)
 2.Significant Historical Movement
Russia has experienced numerous pivotal moments throughout
its history that have left a lasting i

19th Century
Resulted in the overthrow of the Tsarist
regime and the establishment of the
Soviet Union, the world's first socialist
state. This revolution sparked a wave of
social, political, and economic change,
reshaping the course of Russian and
global history.

17th and 18th

Century
The reign of Peter the Great.
Marked as a period of
modernization and Westernization,
transforming Russia into a major
The reign of Peter the Great. European power.
Marked as a period of
modernization and Westernization,
transforming Russia into a major 13th Century
European power.
 3. Location Significant
Russia it’s the largest country in the world. Containing 1/8 of the
entire world’s land area, with an area of 37,653 kilometers
(23,396 miles). Also, Russia is the northmost large and the 9 th
most population country in the world, with a population of 144
million people. It covers nearly twice the territory of Canada, the
second largest country. It spans 11 time zones and incorporates a
great range of environments and landforms, from deserts to
semiarid steppes, deep forests, and Arctic tundra. The Russian
landscape varies from sandy and frozen desserts to tall
mountains and giant marshes.
Russia, being vast, boasts diverse natural features and resources.
It's bordered by the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Pacific Ocean
to the east, and the Black and Caspian Seas to the south. The
Ural Mountains, stretching north to south, act as a natural
boundary between Europe and Asia, influencing historical
events. West of the Urals resembles Eastern Europe culturally
and geographically. East of the Urals lies Siberia, known for its
extreme cold and vast forests. Despite its size, much of Russia is
too cold for farming. The northernmost part, the tundra, is
frozen year-round with minimal tree growth. Below lies the
taiga, a forested region with pine trees, though deforestation is
reducing its size. Further south, different tree types give way to
grasslands. Despite its extensive eastern coastline, Russia has
few ice-free ports due to much of the Far East being ice-covered,
hampering maritime and land transport until 2010 when it was
first connected by highway to the rest of Russia.
 4.Natural Resources

Russia, stretching across vast expanses of land, holds the

prestigious title of being the largest nation on Earth, a distinction
that is matched by its unparalleled abundance of natural
resources. Within its borders lie a treasure trove of minerals,
metals, and energy reserves, solidifying its status as one of the
most resource-rich countries globally. From the towering peaks
of the Ural Mountains to the icy shores of the Arctic Ocean,
Russia's diverse terrain harbors an impressive array of
commodities, each contributing to its economic prowess. Among
its many riches are coal, natural gas, petroleum, titanium,
platinum, gold, uranium, and a plethora of other valuable
materials, with production levels reaching significant
milestones, particularly in the notable year of 2014.

However, alongside this wealth lies a complex web of

challenges that hinder the nation's ability to fully harness its
natural bounty. Chief among these obstacles is the issue of
limited capital investment, exacerbated by sanctions imposed by
major global powers, including the United States and Europe, in
response to geopolitical tensions such as the Ukraine conflict.
These sanctions, coupled with regulatory hurdles and
bureaucratic inefficiencies, create barriers to the development
and extraction of resources, stifling the country's potential for
growth and prosperity.

Moreover, Russia's vast and rugged landscape presents logistical

challenges, particularly in remote and inaccessible regions,
where valuable mineral deposits lie untapped beneath the
surface. Infrastructure deficiencies, harsh climatic conditions,
and the sheer scale of the country's territory further complicate
efforts to exploit these resources efficiently.

Despite these formidable challenges, Russia remains steadfast in

its pursuit of unlocking the full potential of its natural wealth.
Through strategic investments in infrastructure, technology, and
innovation, as well as diplomatic efforts to alleviate geopolitical
tensions, the nation endeavors to overcome obstacles and assert
its position as a powerhouse in the global resource market. With
determination and resilience, Russia continues to navigate the
complexities of resource extraction, striving to harness its
abundant riches for the benefit of its people and the global
community alike.
 5.Downfalls in the past

Throughout its extensive and tumultuous history, Russia has

faced a series of formidable challenges and endured numerous
setbacks, each leaving an indelible mark on its historical
narrative. From the devastating Mongol invasion of the 13th
century, which subjected Russian principalities to over two
centuries of foreign rule under the Mongol Empire, to the
turmoil of the 17th century characterized by famine, internal
strife, and prolonged conflicts, Russia has navigated a complex
tapestry of trials and tribulations. The entrenched system of
serfdom exacerbated social divisions and hindered economic
progress, perpetuating a cycle of inequality and impeding the
nation's advancement.
In the early 20th century:
Russia suffered a humiliating defeat in the Russo-Japanese War
of 1904-1905, exposing glaring weaknesses in its military
capabilities and governance structures. The subsequent upheaval
of the 1917 Russian Revolution, triggered by the strains of
World War I and exacerbated by socio-economic disparities, led
to the overthrow of the monarchy and the rise of communist
rule, ushering in an era of profound political and social
upheaval.
The dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 marked another
pivotal moment in Russia's history, ushering in a period of
economic instability, political upheaval, and societal
transformation as the country grappled with the transition from a
centrally planned economy to a market-oriented system. The
conflicts in Chechnya, Georgia, and Ukraine further underscored
Russia's struggles, with military interventions and territorial
disputes adding to its challenges.
In 2015:
Russia's intervention in Syria, in support of President Bashar al-
Assad's regime, marked a significant shift in the geopolitical
landscape, altering the course of the conflict and consolidating
Russian influence in the region. Despite these myriad
challenges, spanning epochs and shaping the country's collective
consciousness, Russia continues to navigate a complex path
forward, with its historical legacy exerting a profound influence
on its political, economic, and social fabric.

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 6.Culture
Last but not least, Russia has a long and rich culture history the
same as the other countries.
Russian culture is a vast and diverse tapestry woven from
centuries of history, traditions, and influences from a myriad of
ethnic groups, religions, and civilizations. From the revered
icons of Orthodox Christian tradition to the iconic melodies of
traditional folk music and the emotive storytelling of classic
literature by esteemed authors like Tolstoy and Dostoevsky,
Russian culture encompasses a rich array of artistic expressions.
Ballet, epitomized by the prestigious Bolshoi and Mariinsky
Theatres, is celebrated for its technical precision and emotive
storytelling, while traditional folk dances like the lively
"Kazachok" and spirited "Kalinka" showcase the vibrant and
diverse dance culture.
Russian cuisine, with its hearty dishes like borscht and pelmeni,
reflects the country's vast geography and harsh climate, while
customs and traditions, deeply rooted in Orthodox Christianity,
add layers of meaning and significance to daily life. Matryoshka
dolls, with their nested wooden figures, symbolize the
craftsmanship and cultural heritage that define Russian identity.
Overall, Russian culture is a testament to the resilience and
creativity of its people, offering a glimpse into a rich and
multifaceted tapestry of traditions and artistic expressions.