1.5 - Russia
Russia's vast geographical features and biomes
Russia is the largest country in the world, spanning two continents with its western part in Europe and eastern part in Asia. Covering an area of approximately 17 million km², it is about 70 times larger than the UK. This immense size encompasses a variety of landscapes and biomes.
Major geographical landmarks
- Ural Mountains - A mountain range stretching over 2500 km, forming a natural boundary between Europe and Asia.
- Yenisei River - The longest river in Russia, flowing through vast regions of Siberia.
- Lake Baikal - Recognised as the world's deepest freshwater lake, located in southern Siberia.
- Sakha Republic - The largest region in Russia, part of the expansive and frigid Siberia area.
Diversity of biomes across Russia
- Tundra:
- Found in the northern regions, characterised by very low temperatures and permafrost (permanently frozen ground).
- Precipitation is minimal and often falls as snow.
- Vegetation is limited to low-growing plants like mosses, lichens, and grasses, rarely exceeding 30 cm in height.
- Coniferous forest:
- Dominates the central belt of Russia with cold winters (temperatures dropping to -30°C) and cool summers.
- Precipitation is low.
- Trees are adapted to harsh conditions with needle-like leaves to reduce water loss, conical shapes to shed snow, and shallow roots to cope with frozen soil.
- Polar desert:
- Located in the far northern areas, these regions receive very little precipitation (less than 250 mm annually).
- Extremely cold, akin to hot deserts but with frigid temperatures.
- Other biomes - Southern and western parts feature temperate grasslands, deciduous forests, and mountainous areas.
Key cities and population distribution
Russia's population distribution is highly uneven due to its vast size and harsh environmental conditions in many areas. While it hosts some of the world's largest cities, much of the country remains sparsely populated.
Major urban centres
- Moscow - The capital city with a population of around 12.6 million, located in the western part near the European border.
- St Petersburg - Another significant city with a population of approximately 5.4 million, also situated in the west.
Patterns of population density
- Low average density - With an average of just 9 people per km², Russia has one of the lowest population densities globally.
- Urban concentration - About 74% of Russians live in urban areas, with major cities like Moscow and St Petersburg being densely populated.
- Sparse rural areas - Vast regions, such as the Sakha Republic in Siberia, have extremely low densities (around 0.3 people per km²), rendering large parts of the country nearly uninhabited.
Population trends and demographic characteristics
Russia's population dynamics reflect a complex mix of historical, social, and economic factors. With a total population of approximately 145 million, the country faces unique demographic challenges.
Population changes over time
- Decline and fluctuations - The population decreased during the 1990s and 2000s due to a birth rate lower than the death rate. There was a brief increase in the early 2010s, but a decline has resumed since 2018.
- Ageing population - The demographic structure is shifting, with a higher proportion of older individuals. Only 18% of the population is under 15 years old.
Demographic indicators
- Life expectancy - The average life expectancy at birth is 72 years, which is quite low. For men, it is even lower at 66 years.
- Literacy rate - Standing at an impressive 99.7%, literacy is nearly universal.
- Development status - While classified as a developed country, Russia's development level lags behind nations like the UK or USA.
Economic resources and industrial activities
Russia's economy is heavily influenced by its abundant natural resources, which play a critical role in both domestic and global markets. Alongside resource extraction, other sectors contribute significantly to economic output.
Key natural resources and industries
- Fossil fuels - Russia is a major global supplier, producing over 10% of the world's oil and around 15% of its gas in 2020.
- Metals and forestry - The country extracts substantial amounts of metals like iron ore and possesses the world's largest forest reserves.
- Manufacturing and services - Beyond raw materials, manufacturing is prominent, and the services sector accounts for 62% of employment as of 2018.
Economic indicators and wealth distribution
- Gross National Income (GNI) per head - At approximately $11,000, Russia's GNI per head indicates a reasonable level of wealth.
- Uneven wealth distribution - Economic inequality is notable, with a small group of extremely wealthy individuals, often called 'oligarchs', emerging over the past few decades.
- Historical context - Russia was once part of the USSR, a powerful communist state.
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