The Russian Federation

I thought you might like a geography lesson. No really, here are some interesting facts about the Russian Federation. Enjoy!




Area
17,075,400 sq km (6,592,850 sq miles).
Population
141.4 million (UN 2007).
Population Density
8.4 per sq km.
Capital
Moscow. Population: 12.6 million (2007 estimate).
Geography
The Russian Federation covers almost twice the area of the USA, and reaches from the enclave of Kaliningrad in the west over the Urals and the vast Siberian plains to the Sea of Okhotsk in the east. The border between European Russia and Siberia (Asia) is formed by the Ural Mountains, the Ural River and the Manych Depression. European Russia extends from the North Polar Sea across the Central Russian Uplands to the Black Sea, the Northern Caucasus and the Caspian Sea. Siberia stretches from the West Siberian Plain across the Central Siberian Plateau to the Lena River and takes in the Sayan and Yablonovy ranges in the south. East of Siberia stretches the Russian Far East, a region almost as big as Siberia itself, running to the Pacific coast and including the vast Chukotka and Kamchatka peninsulas.
Head of State
President Dmitry Medvedev since 2008.
Head of Government
Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov since 2007.
Recent History
Dmitry Medvedev, President Vladimir Putin's chosen successor, won a landslide victory in March 2008.
Language
Russian is the official language, although there are over 100 other languages. English is widely spoken by younger people as well as some educated older people.
Religion
Mainly Christian with the Russian Orthodox Church being the largest Christian community. Muslim, Buddhist and Jewish minorities also exist.
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz; Russia uses a standard two-pin European plug.
Social Conventions
It is customary to shake hands when greeting someone. Company or business gifts are well received. Conservative wear is suitable for most places and the seasonal weather should always be borne in mind. Smoking is acceptable unless stated otherwise.
Currency
Rouble (RUB; symbol руб) = 100 kopeks. Notes are in denominations of руб5,000, 1,000, 500, 100, 50 and 10. Coins are in denominations of руб10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 10, 5 and 1 kopeks.