Moscow: Capital of Russia – Geography, History & Significance

Moscow is the capital and largest city of the Russian Federation. Situated on the Moskva River in the western part of the country, it is the political, economic, cultural, and scientific heart of Russia.

Key Facts

• Population: ~13 million (city proper), ~21 million (metro) – largest in Europe.
• Area: ~2,511 km² (970 sq mi) – largest European city by land area.
• Time Zone: MSK (UTC+3) year-round (no DST).
• Founded: 1147 (first mention); Kremlin built 1360s.

Global Significance

• Political: Seat of the President (Kremlin), Government (White House), Parliament (Duma/Federation Council).
• Economic: Generates ~22% of Russia's GDP. HQ of Gazprom, Rosneft, Sberbank, Aeroflot. Moscow Int'l Business Center (Moscow City) – skyscraper cluster.
• Transport Hub: 4 major airports (SVO, DME, VKO, ZIA), 9 railway terminals, Metro (world's busiest outside Asia), river port.
• Culture & Education: Bolshoi Theatre, Tretyakov Gallery, Pushkin Museum, Moscow State University (Lomonosov), 100+ theaters, 200+ museums.

Iconic Landmarks

• The Kremlin & Red Square (UNESCO): Fortress, cathedrals, Armoury, Lenin's Mausoleum, GUM.
• St. Basil's Cathedral: 16th-century, iconic onion domes.
• Christ the Saviour Cathedral: Tallest Orthodox church (rebuilt 2000).
• Seven Sisters: Stalinist skyscrapers (MSU main building, hotels, ministries).
• VDNKh: Massive Soviet-era exhibition park, now recreation/museum.