PHYSICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY

1. The characteristics of Russia are its vast plains, forests, and marshes; cold and barren in the north, but highly productive of grain in the center and south.



The Ural mountains are a range of mountains in Russia that stretch from the Arctic to the Caspian Sea.

Siberia is a region of Russia, stretching from the Urals to the Pacific Ocean. It has mountain ranges, forests, and tundra areas.

The animals comprise horses, cattle, sheep, goats, bears, and beavers, besides reindeer in the north, and camels in the south.
Historical exports of Russia include leather, hemp, flax, tallow, timber and furs. Today, top exports include oil, metals, gems, machinery, wood, and fertilizers.
Russia is the largest country, home to the Trans-Siberia Railway, the longest railroad in the world. Russia is so large, it encompasses nine time zones.

The official language of Russia is Russian and its capital city is Moscow.

HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY

1. The most celebrated ruler of Russia was Peter the Great, who founded St, Peterburgh nearly 200 years ago.
2. Moscow was captured by Napoleon in 1812, but the city was set on fire, and the French compelled to retreat with great loss.

MAPWORK

1. Which countries border Russia?
2. What ocean and seas are to the north of Russia?
3. What seas are to the east of Russia?
4. What seas are to the south of Russia?
5. Where is Moscow?
6. Where is Siberia?
7. Where is St. Petersburg?
8. Find the place in Russia closest to the United States.