Siberia is a vast region in northern Asia that stretches from the Ural Mountains in the west to the Pacific Ocean in the east, and from the Arctic Ocean in the north to the border with China in the south. It covers an area of over 13 million square kilometers (5.1 million square miles), which is about 77% of the total area of Russia. Siberia is the largest geographical region in Russia and the largest plain in the world.
The topography of Siberia is varied, ranging from the flat, low-lying West Siberian Plain to the mountainous terrain of the East Siberian Highlands and the Verkhoyansk Range. The West Siberian Plain is the largest plain in the world, and is covered by forests, swamps, and tundra. The East Siberian Highlands are a mountainous region with peaks up to 3,000 meters (9,800 feet) high. The Verkhoyansk Range is a mountain range that runs along the northern edge of Siberia, and is home to the coldest permanently inhabited place on Earth, Oymyakon.
Siberia is drained by several major rivers, including the Ob, Irtysh, Yenisei, and Lena. The Ob River is the longest river in Siberia and the seventh-longest river in the world. The Yenisei River is the second-longest river in Siberia and the fifth-longest river in the world. The Lena River is the third-longest river in Siberia and the tenth-longest river in the world.
Climate
Siberia has a continental climate, with long, cold winters and short, warm summers. The average temperature in January ranges from -15°C (5°F) in the west to -35°C (-31°F) in the east. The average temperature in July ranges from 15°C (59°F) in the west to 25°C (77°F) in the east.
The climate of Siberia is influenced by its large size and its location in the Northern Hemisphere. The long, cold winters are caused by the fact that Siberia is located far from the equator, and receives less sunlight during the winter months. The short, warm summers are caused by the fact that the sun shines almost constantly during the summer months, and the days are very long.
Vegetation
The vegetation of Siberia varies depending on the climate and the soil conditions. The West Siberian Plain is covered by forests of spruce, fir, and pine trees. The East Siberian Highlands are covered by forests of larch trees. The Verkhoyansk Range is covered by tundra vegetation, which consists of mosses, lichens, and low-growing shrubs.
Animal Life
Siberia is home to a wide variety of animal life, including bears, wolves, foxes, moose, reindeer, and squirrels. The Siberian tiger is a rare and endangered species of tiger that is found in the forests of the Far East. The Amur leopard is another rare and endangered species of leopard that is found in the forests of the Far East.
People
Siberia is home to a variety of ethnic groups, including Russians, Tatars, Evenks, Buryats, and Yakuts. The majority of the population lives in the cities of Novosibirsk, Omsk, and Krasnoyarsk.