Country Profile: Russia

Russia, the world's largest country, spans North Asia and Eastern Europe, boasting a vast and diverse landscape that includes tundra, forests, and mountain ranges. With a population of approximately 140 million, Russia is rich in natural resources, particularly fossil fuels, which play a crucial role in its economy as a leading energy exporter. The nation's political structure is a semi-presidential federation, with a centralized authority under President Vladimir Putin, characterized by managed elections and state control over media and governance. Russia's complex history, marked by significant territorial expansions and sociopolitical upheavals, continues to shape its current geopolitical stance.

Geography

Russia is located in North Asia, bordered by the Arctic Ocean to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the east, stretching from Eastern Europe to the Pacific coast. Its vast area encompasses a diverse climate, ranging from arctic tundra to temperate steppes. The country features extensive land boundaries with numerous nations, and boasts the Caspian Sea, the world’s largest lake.

17,098,242 sq km: Total area, making it the largest country in the world.
37,653 km: Length of Russia's coastline.
50.7%: Percentage of forest cover, highlighting its significant natural resources.
13.2%: Land designated for agricultural use, primarily in the western regions.
Gora El'brus: The highest point at 5,642 m, which is also the tallest peak in Europe.

People and Society

Russia has an estimated population of 140 million, with a diverse ethnic composition that includes Russians, Tatars, and Ukrainians. The society is predominantly urban, with major cities like Moscow and Saint Petersburg attracting significant populations. The country has a rich cultural heritage with deep-rooted traditions in literature, arts, and religion, notably the Russian Orthodox Church.

75.3%: Urban population as of 2023.
99.9%: Literacy rate among the total population.
16.5%: Portion of the population aged 0-14 years.
42.3 years: The median age of the population in 2025.
8.27 births: Birth rate per 1,000 population in 2025.

Economy

Russia's economy is heavily reliant on its natural resources, particularly oil and gas, making it one of the leading energy producers globally. However, challenges such as endemic corruption, international sanctions, and the ongoing conflict with Ukraine have hindered economic growth. The GDP per capita has seen incremental growth despite these issues.

$6.089 trillion: Projected Real GDP (PPP) for 2024.
2.6%: Unemployment rate estimated for 2024.
57.5%: Share of services in GDP composition for 2024.
$704.613 billion: Government revenue estimated for 2023.
12.1%: Percentage of the population living below the national poverty line in 2020.

Government

The governance of Russia is characterized by a semi-presidential system where powers are divided between a president and a prime minister. The current president, Vladimir Putin, has been in power since 2012, and the political atmosphere is marked by limited opposition and state control over media outlets. The country is divided into various federal subjects, including provinces and republics.

18 years: Minimum voting age for elections.
450: Seats in the State Duma, the lower house of the Federal Assembly.
71%: Estimated percentage of voters who participated in the 2024 presidential elections.
Federal Assembly: The bicameral legislature of Russia.
Constitution: Adopted on 12 December 1993, forming the basis of the Russian legal system.

Military and Security

Russia maintains a formidable military presence, with an estimated 1.1 to 1.2 million active personnel. The country is known for its advanced military capabilities, including nuclear forces, and has engaged in various conflicts, most notably the ongoing war in Ukraine. Military expenditures have increased significantly as the nation focuses on strengthening its defense mechanisms.

7% of GDP: Military expenditures estimated for 2024.
600,000: Estimated military personnel deployed in Ukraine.
36: Number of operational nuclear reactors by 2025.
1.1 to 1.2 million: Estimated active military personnel.
Armed Forces: Comprises Ground Forces, Aerospace Forces, and the Navy.

Energy

As one of the largest energy producers globally, Russia plays a vital role in supplying oil and natural gas to Europe and Asia. The country is transitioning its energy sector while facing challenges in infrastructure and international sanctions affecting investment.

10.879 million bbl/day: Total oil production estimate for 2023.
613.447 billion cubic meters: Natural gas production for 2023.
301.926 million kW: Installed electricity generating capacity for 2023.
100%: Electrification rate of the total population.
61.8%: Percentage of electricity generated from fossil fuels.

Environment

Russia faces various environmental challenges, including pollution from industrial activities and resource extraction. Deforestation and waste management remain critical issues, compounded by the vastness of the territory, which makes environmental regulation and monitoring difficult.

1.844 billion metric tonnes: Total CO2 emissions estimated for 2023.
60 million tons: Annual municipal solid waste generated.
75%: Urban population rate subject to air quality concerns.
5.3%: Rate of municipal solid waste recycled as of 2022.
4.53 trillion cubic meters: Total renewable water resources available in 2022.

Transportation

Russia's vast transportation network is crucial for economic activity and connectivity across its extensive territory. The country has a mix of modern and aging infrastructure, with significant investments made in railways and road systems.

85,494 km: Total railway length as of 2019.
905: Airports projected by 2025.
270 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions expected in 2024.
2,910: Estimated number of merchant marine vessels in service.
67: Total number of ports, including major ones like Novorossiysk and Vladivostok.

Communications

With a high percentage of internet usage, Russia's communications sector is robust, though it is also tightly controlled by the state. The media landscape features both state-run and independent outlets, with a significant presence of government influence.

92%: Percentage of the population using the internet as of 2023.
35.9 million: Total fixed broadband subscriptions.
20,816,300: Fixed line telephone subscriptions estimated for 2023.
270 million: Total mobile cellular subscriptions expected in 2024.
13 national TV stations are either owned or controlled by the government.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	140,134,279 (2025 est.)
Area	17,098,242 sq km	Largest country in the world
GDP (PPP)	$6.089 trillion (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	2.6% (2024 est.)
Energy Consumption per Capita	224.858 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Birth Rate	8.27 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Life Expectancy	72.3 years (2024 est.)
Urban Population	75.3% of total population (2023)
Carbon Dioxide Emissions	1.844 billion metric tonnes (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures	7% of GDP (2024 est.)