Russian Federation
Russian Federation
- Capital
- Moscow
- Population
- 144,104,080
- Region
- Europe
- Languages
- Russian
Russia is home to the world's deepest lake, Baikal, which contains approximately twenty percent of the planet's unfrozen freshwater. The country spans eleven different time zones, meaning that when people on one side are eating breakfast, people on the other side are going to bed. It also boasts the Trans-Siberian Railway, the longest single railway line in the world, which takes nearly a full week to travel from end to end.
Currency
The official currency is the Russian ruble, identified by the ISO code RUB. Historically, the ruble has been used in various forms for over 500 years, and it was the first currency in the world to be converted to a decimal system in 1704, during the reign of Peter the Great.
Flag symbolism
The national flag consists of three equal horizontal bands of white, blue, and red. While there is no official state interpretation, the white is traditionally associated with nobility and purity, while the blue represents loyalty and chastity. The red field historically symbolizes courage, generosity, and the concept of love. This tricolor design originally served as a merchant ensign before becoming the definitive national symbol.
Emblem history
The national coat of arms features a golden double-headed eagle set against a red shield, a symbol dating back to the reign of Ivan III. One head looks east and the other west, signifying the dual nature of the state's historical interests and unity. In the center, a smaller shield depicts a silver horseman slaying a black dragon with a spear, an image traditionally identified as Saint George. The three crowns above the eagle were restored in 1993 to represent the sovereignty and unity of the federation.