Regions of Russia - Moscow City 101

Moscow city is the Russian capital and the largest city in both Russia and Europe. Being one of the largest cities in the world, Moscow also exerts great influence on a global scale due to the very large population and high economic performance. Efficient and well organized, the Russian capital also happens to be the center of the nation’s economy, transport system as well as cultural and scientific activities.

Landscapes and forests

Straddling the banks of Moskva River; Moscow is located on the side of European Russia. More than 40% of the city’s area is covered by lush greenery and it is widely considered to be amongst the greenest capital cities in the world. Enveloped with a large forested urban interior, it is also home to 96 parks and 18 gardens including 4 botanical gardens.

Population and Climate

Ancient in almost every way, Moscow seems to have existed for so long that nobody really knows the true age of the capital. Although this is already Russia’s most populous city with a total population of almost 12 million,  there is also an estimated 16 million living in the outer areas of the city.

Moscow’s climate is overall moderate and extreme heat or heavy frosting are rare. The city experiences long and cold winters from November- March and then warm summers dominate between June and August.

Economy and Transport

Moscow takes the pride of place in the nation’s economy and contributes a large portion to the total GDP of Russia. Its municipal is one of the biggest economies in Europe. In all federal subjects of Russia, the unemployment rate of Moscow is also the lowest and Moscow is Russia’s financial center, housing the biggest companies and largest banks of the country.

Throughout history, Moscow has been the most prominent transport center in Russia. It is the central hub of highways with railways connecting the city with other regions of the country and neighboring states. It is also home to no less than 3 International airports and a very vast underground railway system which has been operating since 1935.

Tourism

Moscow is famous for many historic buildings and unique architecture making it one of the most successful tourist centers in Europe and the rest of the world. Infused with a large number of historical, architectural and cultural places and entertainment centers, the city is overflowing with attractions including many famous sites such as the Kremlin, A.S.Pushkin Fine Arts Museum, the Bolshoi Theater and Tretyakov Gallery, to name a few.

 

Moscow’s Kolomenskoye estate and Novodevichy monastery are also named in the UNESCO World Heritage List. While Moscow Zoo is also quite popular with more than 1,000 species. Millions of people visit this zoo every year.