Country Profile: Russia

Russia, the largest country in the world, spans from Eastern Europe across North Asia to the Arctic and Pacific Oceans. With a population of over 140 million, Russia's demographic landscape is diverse, featuring a mix of ethnic groups and languages. The economy is primarily driven by natural resources, particularly as a leading energy exporter, although ongoing geopolitical tensions and internal challenges such as corruption have hindered growth. Governed as a semi-presidential federation, Russia's political landscape is characterized by centralized authority and significant state control.

Geography

Russia is positioned in North Asia, bordering the Arctic Ocean and extending from Eastern Europe to the North Pacific. It covers a vast area of approximately 17,098,242 sq km, making it about 1.8 times larger than the United States. The country features a diverse climate that includes steppes, subarctic, and tundra regions, with a varied terrain of plains, forests, and mountains.

Highest point: Gora El'brus at 5,642 m.
Lowest point: Caspian Sea at -28 m.
Length of land borders: 22,407 km.
Coastline: 37,653 km.
Major lakes: Lake Baikal, the world's deepest freshwater lake (31,500 sq km).
Natural resources: Major deposits of oil, natural gas, and coal.
Agricultural land: 13.2% of total land area (2023).

People and Society

Russia has an estimated total population of 140,134,279 as of 2025, with a notably higher number of females than males. The Russian ethnic group constitutes 77.7% of the population, while over 200 nationalities are represented overall. Russian is the official language, and the population is predominantly urban, with 75.3% living in cities.

Life expectancy: 72.3 years (2024 est.).
Urbanization rate: 0.11% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.).
Literacy rate: 99.9%.
Population growth rate: -0.49% (2025 est.).
Median age: 42.3 years (2025 est.).
Major urban areas: Moscow (12.68 million), Saint Petersburg (5.56 million).

Economy

Russia's economy is rich in natural resources, which play a crucial role in its status as a major energy exporter to both Europe and Asia. As of 2024, the real GDP (PPP) is estimated at $6.089 trillion, with a growth rate of 4.3% projected for the same year. However, economic growth is impeded by corruption and ongoing sanctions due to geopolitical tensions.

GDP per capita: $41,700 (2024 est.).
Unemployment rate: 2.6% (2024 est.).
Inflation rate: 6.7% (2021 est.).
Agriculture contributions: 2.7% of GDP (2024 est.).
Top exports: Crude petroleum, natural gas, and coal.
Labor force: 72.517 million (2024 est.).

Government

The Russian Federation operates as a semi-presidential federation with a complex administrative structure comprising 46 provinces, 21 republics, and 9 federal cities. The President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, has been in power since 2012, representing a centralized authority amidst ongoing political challenges.

Capital: Moscow, with 11 time zones across the country.
Suffrage: Universal at 18 years.
Legislative structure: Bicameral Federal Assembly.
Most recent presidential election: March 2024.
Judicial system: Civil law system with a Supreme Court.

Military and Security

The Russian military comprises multiple branches, including the Ground Forces, Aerospace Forces, and Navy. With an estimated 1.1-1.2 million active personnel, Russia maintains a significant military presence and defense capacity, particularly in light of its current operations in Ukraine.

Military expenditures: 7% of GDP (2024 est.).
Total military personnel: 1.1-1.2 million active duty.
Nuclear capability: 36 operational reactors (2025).
Military deployments: Estimated 600,000 in Ukraine.
Age for service: Compulsory service for men aged 18-30.

Energy

Russia is a leading global player in energy production, particularly in oil and natural gas. The country boasts vast reserves and diverse energy sources, including a transition towards renewable energy, albeit at a slower pace.

Electricity consumption: 1.011 trillion kWh (2023).
Natural gas exports: 124.479 billion cubic meters (2023).
Crude oil production: 10.879 million bbl/day (2023).
Coal production: 531.13 million metric tons (2023).
Nuclear energy: Contributes 18.4% to total electricity production.

Environment

Russia faces significant environmental challenges, including air and water pollution, deforestation, and the impacts of climate change. With a substantial portion of its land covered by forest, the management of natural resources is critical.

Carbon dioxide emissions: 1.844 billion metric tonnes (2023).
Recycling rate: 5.3% of municipal solid waste (2022 est.).
Total renewable water resources: 4.53 trillion cubic meters (2022).
Agricultural land use: 13.2% (2023 est.).
International agreements: Party to various environmental treaties.

Transportation

Russia possesses an extensive transportation network, including railways, roadways, and air travel, connecting its vast geography.

Total railways: 85,494 km (2019).
Airports: 905 as of 2025.
Merchant marine: 2,910 vessels (2023).
Ports: 67 total, with various classifications.
Heliports: 494 as of 2025.

Communications

Russia has a well-developed communications infrastructure, with high internet penetration and a significant number of mobile subscribers.

Internet users: 92% of the population (2023).
Mobile cellular subscriptions: 270 million (2024).
Fixed-line subscriptions: 20,816,300 (2023).
Broadband subscriptions: 35.9 million (2022).
Television stations: Approximately 3,300 nationwide.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	140,134,279 (2025 est.)
Area	17,098,242 sq km	Largest country by area
GDP (PPP)	$6.089 trillion (2024 est.)
Energy Consumption per Capita	224.858 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Unemployment Rate	2.6% (2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	72.3 years (2024 est.)
Birth Rate	8.27 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Total Debt	18.5% of GDP (2023 est.)
Urban Population	75.3% (2023)
Environmental Emissions	1.844 billion metric tonnes (2023)