Russia

Russia covers almost twice the area of the USA , and reaches from Moscow in the west over the Urals and the vast Siberian plains to the Sea of Okhotsk in the east.

Travel Insurance for Russia:
Area: Europe **

Know Before You Go:
FCO Country Advice for Russia
 

The capital, Moscow was founded in 1147. The focal point of the city is Red Square , on one side of which is the Kremlin surrounded by a thick red castle wall containing 20 towers. The tsars were crowned here; Ivan the Terrible's throne is situated near the entrance. Those interested in Russia 's achievements in the field of space travel should visit Star City , just outside Moscow , which is a cosmonaut training complex open to visitors. St Petersburg , to the northwest of Moscow , is known both as a cultural centre and for its elegant buildings. The city is spread over 42 islands in the delta of the River Neva. Wide boulevards, quiet canals and bridges led to the city being known as the ' Venice of the North'.

Weather
Russias climate ranges from humid continental in much of European Russia through steppes in the south; subarctic in Siberia to tundra climate in the polar north; winters vary from cool along Black Sea coast to frigid in Siberia; summers vary from warm in the steppes to cool along Arctic coast.