Russia

Russia is the largest country in the world, spanning Eastern Europe and northern Asia. It shares borders with Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Belarus, Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, China, and North Korea, as well as maritime boundaries with Japan and the United States. The capital city is Moscow. Russia has a rich cultural heritage that includes contributions to literature, ballet, music, and the arts. It has a diverse landscape that includes vast plains, mountain ranges, forests, and tundra. Historically, Russia was a major political entity, first emerging as a unified state in the 9th century, later expanding to become a significant empire by the 18th century. In the 20th century, it played a central role in global events as the leading part of the Soviet Union until its dissolution in 1991, which led to the establishment of the Russian Federation. Russia is a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and has significant influence in international politics. The country is known for its extensive natural resources, particularly oil and gas, which are vital to its economy.