FACTS

Location: Northern Asia (the area west of the Urals is considered part of Europe), bordering the Arctic Ocean, between Europe and the North Pacific Ocean

Area (only Total) total: 17,075,200 sq km

Climate: Ranges from steppes in the south through humid continental in much of European Russia; subarctic in Siberia to tundra climate in the polar north; winters vary from cool along Black Sea coast to frigid in Siberia; summers vary from warm in the steppes to cool along Arctic coast

Terrain: broad plain with low hills west of Urals; vast coniferous forest and tundra in Siberia; uplands and mountains along southern border regions

Population: 140,702,096 (July 2008 est.)

Main Language (only first): Russian

Government type: federation

Capital (Name): Moscow

Capital (Time Difference): UTC+3

Independence: 24 August 1991 (from Soviet Union)

National holiday: Russia Day, 12 June (1990)