The Republic of Russia (Russian Federation) is in both eastern Europe and northern Asia. (You will find it here listed in both Asia and Europe). It is the largest country in the world at about twice the size of some of the other largest countries, including Canada, China, and the United States. Althought it is so large, it is seventh in population. The Russian Federation is made up of 89 federal subjects, 21 of which are republics which enjoy a high degree of autonomy on most issues. The rest of the land is made up of 49 provinces (oblasts), and 6 territories (krais), in which there are 10 autonomous districts (okrugs) and 1 autonomous oblast. In addition to this there are 2 federal cities, namely Moscow and St. Petersburg. It also includes 7 newly added federal districts (four of which are in Europe, three are in Asia), where were added as a new layer between the other subdivisions and the national level.

Formerly the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), Russia has been an independent country since December 1991.

This description was last modified Oct 05 2004, 12:15 AM  [ View Page History ]
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