Country Profile: Russia

Russia, the largest country in the world, stretches across Eastern Europe and North Asia, with vast landscapes ranging from arctic tundra to temperate forests. With an estimated population of over 140 million, it is home to diverse ethnic groups and languages, primarily Russian. The economy is heavily reliant on natural resources, particularly oil and gas, making it one of the leading energy exporters globally. Governance is characterized by a semi-presidential federation with significant central authority under President Vladimir Putin.

Geography

Russia is located in both Europe and Asia, bordered by the Arctic Ocean to the north and the North Pacific Ocean to the east. It spans an area of approximately 17.1 million square kilometers, making it nearly 1.8 times the size of the United States. The country's landscape includes vast plains, mountain ranges, and extensive forests, with significant natural resources such as oil and gas.

Total Area: 17,098,242 sq km
Land Boundaries: 22,407 km
Highest Point: Gora El'brus at 5,642 m
Major Lakes: Lake Baikal (world's deepest) at 31,500 sq km
Major Rivers: Yenisey-Angara (5,539 km), Volga (3,645 km)

People and Society

Russia's population is approximately 140 million, with a diverse ethnic composition primarily consisting of Russians (77.7%), Tatar (3.7%), and others. The country has a high literacy rate of 99.9% and a median age of 42.3 years. Urbanization is significant, with 75.3% of the population living in urban areas. The society's religious landscape includes Russian Orthodox Christianity and Islam as the major faiths.

Urban Population: 75.3% (2023)
Life Expectancy: 72.3 years (2024)
Birth Rate: 8.27 births/1,000 people (2025)
Death Rate: 13.93 deaths/1,000 people (2025)
Total Fertility Rate: 1.52 children per woman (2025)

Economy

Russia's economy is primarily driven by its vast natural resources, making it a leading energy supplier. The real GDP (PPP) is estimated at $6.089 trillion for 2024, growing at a rate of 4.3%. Despite facing challenges such as endemic corruption and international sanctions, the country maintains a significant industrial sector, including defense and technology.

GDP (PPP): $6.089 trillion (2024 est.)
Real GDP Growth Rate: 4.3% (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate: 2.6% (2024 est.)
Major Exports: Crude oil, natural gas, coal
Population Below Poverty Line: 12.1% (2020 est.)

Government

The Russian Federation is a semi-presidential federation with a complex political structure and significant power centralized in the presidency. The capital, Moscow, serves as the political and economic hub. The constitution has undergone several amendments since its adoption in 1993, and elections are held for both the presidency and the Federal Assembly.

Government Type: Semi-presidential federation
Current President: Vladimir Putin (since 2012)
Legislature: Bicameral Federal Assembly
Voting Age: 18 years
Administrative Divisions: 46 provinces, 21 republics

Military and Security

Russia possesses one of the largest military forces globally, with an estimated 1.1-1.2 million active personnel. The armed forces include Ground Forces, Aerospace Forces, and Navy, supported by a National Guard for internal security. Military expenditures are projected at 7% of GDP in 2024, reflecting the country's ongoing military engagements.

Active Personnel: 1.1-1.2 million
Military Expenditures: 7% of GDP (2024 est.)
Nuclear Reactors: 36 operational (2025)
Military Deployments: Estimated 600,000 in Ukraine
Service Age: 18-30 years (compulsory)

Energy

Russia is the world's largest producer of natural gas and one of the top oil exporters, with significant reserves in both sectors. The country's energy production is diverse, with fossil fuels making up the majority of electricity generation. Electricity access is nearly universal, with 100% of the population covered.

Total Petroleum Production: 10.879 million bbl/day (2023 est.)
Natural Gas Production: 613.447 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Electricity Consumption: 1.011 trillion kWh (2023 est.)
Coal Production: 531.13 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Renewable Energy Share: <5% of installed capacity

Environment

Russia faces several environmental issues, including air pollution from industrial activity and deforestation. The country is a party to numerous international environmental agreements, reflecting its commitment to addressing climate change and biodiversity loss.

Forests Cover: 50.7% of land area (2023)
Total CO2 Emissions: 1.844 billion metric tons (2023 est.)
Municipal Solid Waste Recycled: 5.3% (2022 est.)
Total Water Resources: 4.53 trillion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Major Environmental Agencies: Rosprirodnadzor (Federal Service for Supervision of Natural Resources)

Transportation

With a sprawling network of railways and air travel infrastructure, Russia's transport system is crucial for both domestic and international connectivity. The country has 905 airports and a vast system of railways exceeding 85,000 km.

Total Railways: 85,494 km (2019)
Airports: 905 (2025)
Merchant Marine Fleet: 2,910 vessels (2023)
Major Ports: 67 (2024)
Heliports: 494 (2025)

Communications

Russia has a highly developed telecommunications sector, with a high percentage of internet users and extensive mobile cellular subscriptions. The country is home to numerous media outlets, with a significant portion being state-controlled.

Internet Users: 92% of the population (2023)
Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 270 million (2024)
Fixed-Line Telephones: 20.8 million (2023)
Broadband Subscriptions: 35.9 million (2022)
Television Stations: 3,300 (predominantly state-controlled)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	140,134,279 (2025 est.)
Area	17,098,242 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$6.089 trillion (2024 est.)
Energy Consumption per Capita	224.858 million Btu/person	2023 est.
Birth Rate	8.27 births/1,000 population	2025 est.
Unemployment Rate	2.6% (2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	72.3 years (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures	7% of GDP (2024 est.)
Total Renewable Water Resources	4.53 trillion cubic meters	2022 est.
Major Urban Area Population	12.680 million (Moscow)