Geography of Russia and Surrounding Regions

The Soviet Union, a large country that was formed after the Russian Revolution in 1917.

The term used to describe the conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union after World War II. It was a war of ideologies, not a direct military conflict.

A type of economy where the government controls everything. The government owns the means of production, sets prices, and decides what to produce.

Large farms where many workers are organized to work together. They were a key feature of the Soviet Union's agricultural system.

A historic trade route that connected the East and West. It went through Central Asia.

People who move from place to place with no permanent home. They often live in tents.

A type of tent used by nomads, often made of felt or canvas.

A term coined by Arthur Connolly that describes the rivalry between Great Britain and Russia over Central Asia. Both countries wanted to control this strategically important area.

Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. They were once republics of the Soviet Union.

The name of the Soviet military forces. They were powerful and instrumental in maintaining control of the Soviet Union.

A type of fertile soil found in Russia and Ukraine, known for its dark color and rich nutrients.

The mountain range that acts as a natural boundary between Europe and Asia.

The vast landmass that includes both Europe and Asia, encompassing a diverse range of climates, cultures, and landscapes.

The region located in the Caucasus Mountains, encompassing countries like Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.

A large region in Russia, known for its vast expanses of forests, icy winters, and unique wildlife.

The vast, flat region in western Russia that drains into the Arctic Ocean.

A mountain range that stretches across lands between the Black and Caspian Seas, forming the border between Russia and Transcaucasia.

A large wall of mountains extending eastward from the Caucasus Mountains, some located along the border of Russia.

The longest river in Europe, important for transportation and carrying a significant amount of river freight in Russia.

The largest saltwater lake in the world and home to a diverse marine ecosystem, it faces major challenges due to irrigation projects which have shrunk its water level significantly.

Holding almost 20% of the world's fresh water and being the deepest lake in the world, Lake Baikal has exceptionally clean water and supports thousands of plant and animal species.

Central Asia is dry due to large deserts and a lack of consistent rainfall. The region is characterized by extensive deserts, like the Kara Kum and Kyzyl Kum, and two major rivers, the Syr Darya and Amu Darya, crossing its lowlands.

Central Asia encompasses various countries like Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

A large geographic area drained by a major river and its tributaries.

The largest inland sea in the world, located in Eurasia. It is actually a saltwater lake.

The longest river in Europe, it flows southward for about 2,300 miles and carries a significant amount of Russia's river traffic.

The deepest lake in the world, located in Siberia, Russia. It holds nearly 20% of the world's fresh water and is remarkably clean.

The Aral Sea is a shrinking lake in Central Asia. Irrigation projects have diverted water away from it, causing it to shrink significantly.

The Baltic Sea, Black Sea, and Sea of Azov are all located on Russia's western borders. They are all major bodies of water that have historically played important roles in Russia's trade and development.

Lake Baikal is the deepest lake in the world, located in Asia. Crater Lake is a relatively small lake in Oregon. The difference in depth reflects the immense geological forces that shaped Lake Baikal over millions of years.

The combined land area of Russia and its former republics is about 2.7 times larger than the United States. This vast expanse of land makes Russia the largest country in the world by area.

The breakup of the Soviet Union split the former Soviet land area into various independent republics. This fragmentation significantly changed the political and geographic landscape of the region, creating numerous new nations.

The majority of people in Russia and its former republics belong to the Eastern Orthodox Christian faith. This shared religious heritage reflects the historical influence of the Eastern Orthodox Church in the region.

The region's population is concentrated in the European part, especially near the major rivers and fertile lands. This pattern reflects the historical development of agriculture and cities in these areas.

The GDP of Russia and its republics is much lower than that of the United States. This indicates a lower overall economic output and potential for wealth creation in the former Soviet republics.

The infant mortality rate, a measure of child deaths, is often used as an indicator of healthcare quality and socio-economic conditions. A high infant mortality rate signals a country's potential struggles with poverty, disease, and limited access to healthcare. The number of doctors per population is another aspect of healthcare infrastructure, and a low number of doctors can reflect a lack of resources or a shortage of qualified professionals.

The region's three most densely populated cities are Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and Novosibirsk, all of which are major economic and cultural centers. They attract large populations due to their economic opportunities and historical significance.

The majority of ethnic groups in the various republics are concentrated in specific areas. This reflects the historical migration patterns and cultural ties of these groups, often with roots in particular regions. For example, Ukrainians are concentrated in Ukraine, Georgians in Georgia, etc.

The effect of distance from the ocean on a region's climate, causing drier conditions and larger temperature swings between seasons.

The phenomenon where dry air moves inland and loses its moisture, resulting in reduced precipitation and greater temperature differences between seasons.

A subtropical climate zone created by the influence of moist air from the Mediterranean Sea. This leads to a milder climate with more precipitation compared to other regions with a similar latitude.

The region in the Caucasus Mountains encompassing Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, known for its subtropical climate zone.

The largest forest on Earth, primarily composed of coniferous trees, located south of the tundra region in Russia and the Republics.

A temperate grassland region characterized by highly fertile chernozem soil, extending from southern Ukraine through northern Kazakhstan to the Altay Mountains. It's a major source of grain for Russia and the Republics.

The Aral Sea has lost about 80% of its water since the 1960s due to the diversion of water from the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers for irrigation purposes. This has caused the sea to shrink and evaporate.

The Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers are the main sources of water for the Aral Sea.

The use of pesticides and fertilizers on cotton fields in Central Asia resulted in chemicals running off into the Aral Sea, contaminating the water and harming native species.

The Trans-Siberian Railroad was a massive railway project completed in 1916, spanning over 9,000 kilometers from Moscow in the west to Vladivostok in the east. It connected vast regions of Russia, opening up remote areas for settlement and resource extraction.

The Trans-Siberian Railroad offered a faster and safer way to travel across the vast expanse of Russia. It reduced travel time significantly compared to the previous methods of travel, which were slow and dangerous.

The Trans-Siberian Railroad also aimed to encourage settlement and resource extraction in the vast Siberian region. Its construction aimed to facilitate access to valuable resources like minerals, timber, and fertile land.

The Trans-Siberian Railroad played a crucial role in connecting the eastern and western regions of Russia. It facilitated the flow of people, goods, and resources, contributing to the economic and social development of Russia.

The Trans-Siberian Railroad was seen as a major achievement in Russian infrastructure, showcasing the country's ambition to develop its vast territory and connect its diverse population.

The Aral Sea, a large inland body of water in Central Asia, has been shrinking due to the diversion of water from its feeder rivers for agriculture, primarily cotton production.

The Russian winter can reach extremely low temperatures, even as low as -90°F, making basic human functions difficult and potentially harmful.

The permafrost, permanently frozen ground, presents challenges in construction as buildings can sink or tilt due to the thawing of the ground around them.

The harsh winter conditions of 1812 proved to be a major factor in the retreat of Napoleon's army from Russia, leading to his defeat.

The harsh climate of Russia is a defining characteristic, impacting human life, construction, and even military campaigns. Extreme cold, permafrost, and the changing seasons all play significant roles.