What is the heartland of Russia?

The heartland of Russia is considered to be the region surrounding the city of Moscow and extending from the Volga River to the Ural Mountains. This area is steeped in Russian history and culture and has been the core of the Russian state for centuries. It includes the city of Moscow, which serves as the capital of Russia and is the political, economic, and cultural center of the country, as well as neighboring regions such as the Moscow Region, the Central Federal District, and the Volga Federal District.