Russia, officially named the Russian Federation since
the fall of Communism in 1991, is the largest country
in the world and covers an area of over 10 million
square miles crossing 11 different time zones. From
vast plains in the west to epic lakes like the
Caspian Sea, and unspoilt forests to Northern
Arctic tundra, in this gigantic land it is possible
to experience the widest and most dramatic range of
landscapes on earth.
Its people and famous sights are mainly condensed
into Western European Russia, but an Asian influenced
culture exists to the east. Despite its dour reputation,
Russia is now opening its arms to the world, and there
is a stunning legacy of history and culture to be
explored - from the cultural capital of Moscow,
the 'gateway to Europe' with its infamous Red Square
and Kremlin to the Far Eastern untamed wilderness
of Asian influenced Siberian Russia, bordering China.
Russia is a nation in a state of change, and the
New Russia, devoid of Cold War paranoia and Stalinist
Terror, is making its mark on the world. From the
mysteries of the Orthodox Church to learning to love
the courageous people who 'love to suffer', there
is never a better time to discover the mighty Russia.
Read the full story -
background and travel essentials
