Russia, the world's largest country spanning Eastern Europe and North Asia across eleven time zones, is home to over 140 million people, making Moscow its capital and Europe's most populous metropolitan area. Its rich history began with East Slavic states like Kievan Rus', which adopted Orthodox Christianity in 988, eventually leading to the establishment of the Tsardom of Russia in 1547 and the vast Russian Empire by the 18th century. The 1917 Russian Revolution abolished the monarchy, paving the way for the Russian SFSR to become the principal constituent of the Soviet Union, a 20th-century superpower known for rapid industrialization under Joseph Stalin, a decisive role in World War II, and pioneering achievements in space exploration.
Following the Soviet Union's dissolution in 1991, Russia emerged as the Russian Federation, but since the turn of the century, its political system has been dominated by Vladimir Putin, leading to democratic backsliding and military involvement in conflicts, notably the ongoing war with Ukraine since 2014. Today, Russia is considered a great power, possessing the world's largest nuclear arsenal and a significant resource-rich economy, yet faces international criticism regarding its human rights record and perceived corruption. It holds a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council and remains a key player on the global stage.