- Country (long form) — Russian Federation
- Capital — Moscow
- note: Russia is divided into 11 time zones
- land: 16,995,800 sq km
- water: 79,400 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.
Border countries: Azerbaijan 284 km, Belarus 959 km, China (southeast) 3,605 km, China (south) 40 km, Estonia 294 km, Finland 1,340 km, Georgia 723 km, Kazakhstan 6,846 km, North Korea 19 km, Latvia 217 km, Lithuania (Kaliningrad Oblast) 280.5 km, Mongolia 3,485 km, Norway 196 km, Poland (Kaliningrad Oblast) 232 km, Ukraine 1,576 km
- Population: 141,377,000 (2007)
- Native Language — Russian and many minority languages
- Religions — Russian Orthodox, Muslim, other
- Life Expectancy — 59.80 male, 72 female
- Government Type — federation
- Currency: Russian ruble (RUR) = 100 kopeks
- Total Area: 17,075,200 sq km
RUSSIAN HOLIDAYS 2008
- 1-2 Jan New Year
- 7 Jan Russian Orthodox Christmas Day
- 23 Feb Day of the Defenders of the Motherland
- 8 Mar International Women's Day
- 1-2 May Spring and Labour Day
- 9 May Victory in Europe Day
- 12 Jun Independence Day
- 4 Nov National Unity Day
- 12 Dec Constitution Day
Water
Water quality varies widely in Russia. Your best bet is to drink and brush your teeth only with bottled water. Be careful to avoid ice and raw foods and vegetables.
Crime
With the demise of the Soviet police state crime has been rising throughout Russia, however, it is still safer here than in many American cities. Precautions include not flaunting valuables, or walking alone at night through city streets or parks.
Taxis
In Russia, taxi fees are usually negotiated with the driver ahead of time. Do not use gypsy cabs or accept rides in cabs that already have a rider.
Tipping
Tipping is expected at restaurants. Tip 10-15% depending on service.