Saint Basil's Cathedral - Moscow, Russia

Russia which is also officially known as the Russian Federation is an enormous country covering approximately 1/6^th of the entire earth. It is the biggest country in the world, its area is bigger than whole continents such as Europe, Australia or Antarctica. Its length covers the two continents of Europe and Asia, and it stretches from Western Europe, through north-middle Asia to the Pacific Ocean. This vast size means that Russia is a great mixture of various cultures and traditions, however almost 80% of the Russian population lives in the European part of the country an area of only 25% of the country. History buffs will revel in the many historical monuments visible throughout the country and especially in Moscow, the capital and a city of excess. It boasts of many extremes, the most billionaires, the most expensive coffee and one of the most expensive cities to live. Moscow showcases one of the highest towers in the world, the Ostankino Tower, ranking 3^rd tallest at 540m (1772ft) high. Another magnificent monument is Saint Basil’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of Russian architecture. In addition, Russia can be proud of its natural beauty, one spectacular location is the deep blue waters of Lake Baikal also known as the Blue Eye of Siberia and of equal beauty is Kamchatka with its volcanoes and geysers. Russia also hosts the world’s largest forest reserves which are know as the “lungs of Europe” for the amount of carbon dioxide it absorbs.

Due to its size Russia has several different climate zones, a humid continental climate is near the coastal areas, most of Northern European Russia and Siberia has a Subarctic climate. In some parts of Siberia during the January winter, the average temperature is -25 ⁰C (-13 ⁰F), however the Siberian city Oymyakon, known the coldest town on Earth, has the lowest recorded temperature of -71,2 ⁰C (- 96,2 ⁰F)  . The lands along the shore of the Atlantic Ocean and Russian Arctic islands have a polar climate. The parts of land by the Black Sea possess a humid subtropical climate.

It has to be added that Russia with its military, economic, political and cultural power fulfils the criteria of being a superpower in step with China and the USA. The most recognizable souvenirs from Russia are the matryoshka doll, ushanka a thick fur cap with ear flaps and the papaha a high fur hat made of sheep wool, fur clothing, various handicrafts and of course Russian vodka and caviar.

Gallery - Monuments of Russia