Why visit
Russia is a destination in Europe layered with historical sites and heritage routes. Plan an itinerary around ruins, old quarters, monuments, and museums.
Country · Europe
Russia
historyculturecitynature
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
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
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.
Other Europe destinations
Santorini
Santorini is the caldera island. Oia's whitewashed church domes, Fira's cliff-edge restaurants, red and black volcanic beaches, and Akrotiri's Bronze Age ruins.
Geneva
Geneva is Switzerland's most international city. UN headquarters, CERN, Lake Geneva's Jet d'Eau, and easy access to Chamonix and Mont Blanc.
Zurich
Zurich is Switzerland's financial capital turned lifestyle destination. Bahnhofstrasse shopping, Lake Zurich swimming, Kunsthaus art museum, and the Uetliberg city-mountain.
Interlaken
Interlaken sits between two lakes with Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau rising behind. Switzerland's adventure-sport capital for paragliding, skydiving, canyoning.
Salzburg
Salzburg is Mozart's birthplace, Hohensalzburg Fortress, Mirabell Gardens, and a summer festival (Festspiele) that's one of Europe's oldest and most prestigious.
Innsbruck
Innsbruck is Alpine city living. Cable cars from the center to 2,334 m, Maria-Theresien-Strasse's baroque, and ski resorts 20 minutes out.