The world’s largest country by land area is Russia. It covers an enormous area of 17.1 million square kilometers (about 6.6 million square miles), making it more than twice the size of the second-largest country, Canada. Russia spans 11 time zones and stretches across two continents: Europe and Asia. Here’s an overview of Russia’s vastness and key features:
1. It’s Bigger than Pluto!
- Russia is so vast that its land area (about 17.1 million square kilometers) is larger than the surface area of Pluto! Pluto is only about 16.6 million square kilometers in size.
2. The Longest Railway in the World
- The Trans-Siberian Railway is the longest railway line in the world. It stretches for nearly 9,289 kilometers (5,772 miles), connecting Moscow in the west to Vladivostok in the east. A non-stop trip takes about 7 days!
3. Russia Has the Coldest Inhabited Place on Earth
- The village of Oymyakon in Siberia holds the record for the coldest temperature ever recorded in an inhabited place: −67.7°C (−89.9°F)! Despite these extreme temperatures, people live there year-round.
4. Lake Baikal: The Deepest and Oldest Lake
- Lake Baikal in southern Siberia is the deepest lake in the world (reaching depths of 1,642 meters or 5,387 feet) and holds about 20% of the world’s unfrozen freshwater. It’s also estimated to be about 25 million years old, making it the world’s oldest lake.
5. 11 Time Zones!
- Russia spans 11 time zones, more than any other country. That means when it’s 9 AM in Moscow, it’s already 8 PM in parts of far eastern Russia!
6. Russia Has a Huge Forest
- Russia contains the world’s largest forest area. Known as the Taiga or the “Boreal Forest,” this forest covers much of Siberia and holds about one-fifth of the world’s trees.
7. Dual Continents
- Russia is the only country that spans two continents, Europe and Asia. About 77% of Russia’s landmass is in Asia, but most of its population lives in the European part.
8. Home to Bears
- Brown bears are a symbol of Russia, and there are an estimated 120,000 bears in Russia, making it one of the best places for wildlife enthusiasts to see them in the wild.
9. The World’s Tallest Active Volcano
- Klyuchevskaya Sopka, located on the Kamchatka Peninsula in eastern Russia, is the tallest active volcano in the world. It stands 4,750 meters (15,584 feet) tall and is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire.
10. Russia Loves Cats
- In St. Petersburg, Russia’s Hermitage Museum employs cats to protect its priceless artwork from mice. The tradition dates back to the time of Empress Elizabeth in the 18th century!
11. A Bizarre Time-Free City
- The Russian city of Norilsk, located above the Arctic Circle, experiences polar nights for two months in winter, where the sun never rises. On the flip side, in summer, they enjoy two months of polar days with continuous sunlight.
12. A Cathedral Built by Ivan the Terrible
- The famous Saint Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow, with its colorful domes, was commissioned by Ivan the Terriblein the 16th century. Legend says he had the architect blinded so he could never build anything as beautiful again!
13. Mammoth Remains
- Due to the cold climate of Siberia, well-preserved woolly mammoth remains are often found in the permafrost, providing insight into prehistoric life.
14. A City With No Roads
- The city of Yakutsk in eastern Russia is one of the coldest cities in the world, and it’s so remote that it has no roads connecting it to the rest of Russia. People get there by plane or boat in summer and by driving on frozen rivers in winter.
15. Vodka History
- Russia is often associated with vodka, and for good reason. The word “vodka” comes from the Russian word for water, “voda.” Russians have been making and consuming vodka for over 500 years.
Russia’s sheer size, extremes in climate, and rich history create a country full of unique and fascinating stories!
If you are going to Russia, you might want a Russian Hat.