Why visit
Russia is vast: Moscow and St. Petersburg, the Golden Ring, the Trans-Siberian railway, Lake Baikal, Arctic north, and Caucasus mountains. Current access and travel conditions vary sharply, so treat planning as a separate step.
Country - Europe
Russia
historyculturecitynature
How to use this result
Use it as a country shortlist
Russia works best as a first-pass travel idea. Start with the region, season, and themes on this page, then compare flights, entry rules, safety guidance, and local transport before treating it as a real option.
Compare the capital and side trips
Use Moscow as the administrative starting point, then check whether the strongest trip idea is actually the capital, a coastal area, a nature route, or another city in Russia.
At a glance
Location
60.0°, 100.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
17,098,242 km²
6,601,665 mi²
Country population
144.4 million
8/km²
Subregion
Eastern Europe
Currency
Russian ruble (₽)
RUB
Dial
+73
Language
Russian
Demonym
Russian
Internet
.ru
UN
Member state
ISO code
RU / RUS
Where in the world
60.0° - 100.0°
Russia
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Russia spans 11 time zones: more than any other country on earth.
- Lake Baikal holds about 20% of the world's unfrozen fresh water, more than all five Great Lakes combined.
- The Trans-Siberian Railway, at 9,289 km, is the longest single railway in the world: eight time zones from Moscow to Vladivostok.
Bordering Russia
Traveler notes
- The Trans-Siberian railway remains the classic long-distance rail journey
- St. Petersburg is built around palaces, canals, and major museums
- Lake Baikal is the world's deepest freshwater lake
Plan checks
- Start research with the capital Moscow, then compare two or three other regions.
- Check passport validity, visa rules, health requirements, and travel insurance for current conditions.
- Check opening days. Major sites close on Mondays or Tuesdays in many countries.
- Bring layered clothing and verify trail/park access before arrival.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Russia
What is the capital of Russia?
Moscow is the capital of Russia.
What currency does Russia use?
Russia uses the Russian ruble (₽), ISO code RUB.
What languages are spoken in Russia?
The primary language is Russian.
Is Russia landlocked?
No, Russia has a coastline.
What countries border Russia?
Russia borders Azerbaijan, Belarus, China, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Kazakhstan, North Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Mongolia, Norway, Poland, Ukraine.
What is the international calling code for Russia?
The calling code is +73.
When is the best time to visit Russia?
May–Sep, Dec–Feb for winter trips. Check current weather and local events before booking.
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