Moscow

Moscow
Name	Moscow
Settlement type	Federal city
Coordinates	55, 45, 21, N...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	Russia
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	Sergey Sobyanin
Area total km2	2561.5
Population total	13,010,112
Population as of	2021 Census
Population density km2	auto
Population metro	21,534,000
Timezone	Moscow Time
Utc offset	+3
Blank name	IATA airport code
Blank info	SVO, DME, VKO
Blank1 name	License plates
Blank1 info	77, 97, 99, 177, 197, 199, 777

Moscow. It is the capital and most populous city of Russia, standing as the country's political, economic, cultural, and scientific heart. The city is a major global metropolis, situated on the Moskva River in Central Russia. Its rich history is reflected in iconic landmarks like the Kremlin, a historic fortress and the official residence of the President of Russia, and the vibrant Red Square.

History

The first written reference to the settlement appears in the Hypatian Codex under the year 1147, when Yuri Dolgorukiy is recorded as hosting a feast. It served as the capital of the Grand Duchy of Moscow and later the Tsardom of Russia, becoming a center of power that repelled invasions like the Mongol invasion of Kievan Rus'. In 1712, Peter the Great moved the capital to Saint Petersburg, but the city regained its preeminent status after the October Revolution of 1917, when the Bolsheviks under Vladimir Lenin made it the capital of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic and later the Soviet Union. It was a central stage for pivotal 20th-century events, including the Battle of Moscow during World War II and the 1991 Soviet coup d'état attempt. The dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 confirmed its status as the capital of the Russian Federation.

Geography

The city is located in the East European Plain on the banks of the Moskva River. Its climate is classified as humid continental climate, characterized by cold, snowy winters and warm summers. The city's layout is defined by concentric rings radiating from the historic center, including the Garden Ring and the Moscow Ring Road. Notable green spaces include Gorky Park and the Losiny Ostrov National Park, one of the largest urban forests in the world. The Moscow Canal connects the city to the major Volga River basin.

Government and politics

As a federal city, it functions as a separate region and hosts the federal government. The Kremlin is the working residence of the President of Russia and the seat of the Government of Russia. The city's local administration is headed by the Mayor of Moscow and the Moscow City Duma. Key federal institutions located here include the State Duma, the Federation Council, and the Constitutional Court of Russia. The city has been a focal point for political movements and protests, including those associated with Alexei Navalny.

Economy

It is a dominant economic hub, contributing a significant portion of Russia's GDP. The city is a global center for finance and banking, home to the Moscow Exchange and headquarters of major corporations like Gazprom, Rosneft, and Sberbank. The Moscow International Business Center in Presnensky District is a major modern business district. Other key industries include IT, telecommunications, retail represented by chains like X5 Retail Group, and a robust manufacturing sector. The city also hosts major international exhibitions at the Expocentre.

Culture and society

The city is renowned for its performing arts, being home to world-famous institutions like the Bolshoi Theatre and the Moscow Conservatory. Its museum landscape is anchored by the State Tretyakov Gallery and the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts. The Moscow State University, founded in 1755, is a leading educational institution. The city's architectural heritage spans from medieval churches like St. Basil's Cathedral and the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour to Stalinist architecture like the Seven Sisters skyscrapers. Major annual events include the Moscow International Film Festival and celebrations on Victory Day (9 May).

Transport

The city boasts one of the world's most extensive and busiest metro systems, the Moscow Metro, famous for its ornate stations. It is served by several international airports, including Sheremetyevo International Airport, Domodedovo International Airport, and Vnukovo International Airport. Nine railway terminals, such as the Kazansky railway station and Leningradsky railway station, connect the city to the vast Russian Railways network. The road system is organized around major ring roads like the Third Ring Road and the Moscow Ring Road, though traffic congestion is a significant challenge. The city also operates a large network of trams, buses, and the Moscow Central Circle railway.

Category:Capitals in Europe Category:Federal cities of Russia Category:Populated places established in the 12th century