Country Profile: Russia

Russia, the largest country in the world, spans North Asia and Eastern Europe, with vast natural resources that contribute significantly to its economy. With a population of over 140 million, the nation is known for its diverse cultures and ethnicities, predominantly Russian. The country operates as a semi-presidential federation under a centralized governance structure, which has experienced significant shifts in power dynamics, particularly under President Vladimir Putin. Modern Russia faces challenges related to economic sanctions, and ongoing conflicts, notably the invasion of Ukraine, which have impacted its international relations and economic stability.

Geography

Russia is located in North Asia, extending from Eastern Europe to the North Pacific Ocean, bordered by numerous nations including China, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine. It covers an impressive area of 17,098,242 square kilometers, making it approximately 1.8 times larger than the United States. The climate varies significantly with steppes in the south, humid continental in the European part, and tundra in the polar north. The country features diverse terrain, including vast forests, mountain ranges, and extensive coastlines.

37,653 km of coastline
22,407 km of land borders
50.7% of land area covered by forests (2023)
Home to Lake Baikal, the world's deepest lake (31,500 sq km)

People and Society

Russia's estimated population is about 140.8 million as of 2024, with a majority identifying as Russian, alongside various ethnic groups such as Tatars and Ukrainians. The population is heavily urbanized, with 75.3% living in urban areas. Russian is the official language, while several other languages are recognized due to the country's ethnic diversity. Life expectancy is approximately 72.3 years, with significant variations between genders.

65.7% of the population falls within the 15-64 age range
99.9% literacy rate (2021)
Birth rate of 8.4 births/1,000 population (2024)
52.2 dependency ratio (2024)

Economy

Russia possesses a natural-resource-rich economy primarily driven by energy exports, particularly oil and natural gas. The real GDP is estimated at $6.089 trillion for 2024, reflecting a growth rate of 4.3%. The economy is characterized by low unemployment rates and a significant state involvement in various sectors, including defense and machinery manufacturing. However, widespread corruption and sanctions due to geopolitical conflicts have hindered foreign investments.

2.6% unemployment rate (2024)
$704.613 billion government revenue (2023)
57.5% services sector contribution to GDP (2024)
10.879 million bbl/day petroleum production (2023)

Government

The political structure of Russia is a semi-presidential federation characterized by a strong executive branch headed by President Vladimir Putin, who has been in power since May 2012. Administrative divisions include 46 provinces and 21 republics, with a bicameral legislature comprising the State Duma and the Federation Council. The constitution was adopted in 1993, reinforcing the centralized authority and the legislative power of the federal government.

18 years is the minimum voting age
450 members in the State Duma
Last presidential election occurred in March 2024
Universal suffrage and dual citizenship recognized

Military and Security

Russia maintains one of the largest military forces in the world, which includes the Army, Navy, and Aerospace Forces. The military budget has increased significantly, constituting 7% of GDP in 2024. Recent military actions, particularly related to the invasion of Ukraine, emphasize the military's role in Russia's foreign policy and national security strategy.

Estimated 1.1-1.2 million active military personnel
Military expenditures of 5% of GDP (2023)
600,000 troops deployed in Ukraine (2025)
Operating around 36 nuclear reactors (2025)

Energy

As a leading energy exporter, Russia heavily relies on fossil fuels, accounting for approximately 61.8% of its electricity generation capacity. The country has vast reserves of oil and natural gas, positioning it as a crucial player in global energy markets. Electricity access in urban and rural areas is nearly universal, with total consumption reaching 1.011 trillion kWh in 2023.

10.879 million bbl/day oil production (2023)
613.447 billion cubic meters of natural gas produced (2023)
301.926 million kW total installed electricity generating capacity (2023)
18.66 billion kWh electricity exports (2023)

Environment

Russia's environmental challenges include air pollution from industry and transport, deforestation, and contamination from agricultural chemicals. The country participates in numerous international environmental agreements addressing climate change and biodiversity. Urbanization and industrialization have led to significant strains on Russia's natural ecosystems.

4.53 trillion cubic meters of total renewable water resources (2022)
1.844 billion metric tonnes of CO2 emissions (2023)
Only 5.3% of municipal solid waste is recycled (2022)
50.7% of land is covered by forests (2023)

Transportation

The transport infrastructure in Russia is extensive, with a significant railway network spanning 85,494 km and a total of 905 airports as of 2025. The country possesses a substantial merchant marine fleet, with 2,910 vessels and various configurations of ports supporting maritime trade.

67 total ports (2024)
20,816,300 fixed-line phone subscriptions (2023)
245 million mobile cellular subscriptions (2022)
35.9 million broadband fixed subscriptions (2022)

Communications

Russia boasts a high rate of internet penetration with approximately 92% of its population being internet users as of 2023. The media landscape is characterized by a mix of state-controlled and private broadcasting entities. The country has a well-developed telecommunications infrastructure to support its vast geography.

20,816,300 fixed telephone subscriptions (2023)
15 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants in fixed lines (2022)
169 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants for mobile cellular (2021)
13 national TV stations predominantly state-controlled

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	140,820,810 (2024 est.)
Area	17,098,242 sq km	Largest country in the world
GDP (Purchasing Power Parity)	$6.089 trillion (2024 est.)	Real GDP estimation
Unemployment Rate	2.6% (2024 est.)	Percentage of the labor force seeking employment
Energy Consumption	224.858 million Btu/person (2023 est.)	Per capita energy consumption
Birth Rate	8.4 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	72.3 years (2024 est.)	Average life expectancy
Literacy Rate	99.9% (2021 est.)	Literacy among total population
Carbon Dioxide Emissions	1.844 billion metric tonnes (2023 est.)	Total CO2 emissions
Urban Population	75.3% of total population (2023)	Percentage living in urban areas