WEMOOCH

Russia, officially the Russian Federation is the largest country on Earth. Covering 17,125,200 square kilometres, more than one-eighth of the Earth's inhabited land area and transcending two continents. This land spans eleven time zones, encompassing a wide range of environments and landscapes from Eastern Europe to the far East of Asia.

From north to south the East European Plain, also known as the Russian Plain, is clad in Arctic tundra, coniferous forest, mixed and broad-leaf forests, grassland, and semi-desert. The huge expanse of land known as Siberia is largely a coniferous forest. Consequently, Russia lays claim to the world's largest forest reserves, known as 'the lungs of Europe'. These lungs are second only to the Amazon Rainforest in the amount of carbon dioxide it absorbs.

Photographing Russia

I could fill the internet with the number of words needed for location advice on Russia. Many lifetimes could be spent trying to capture this colossus. From the historical city of St Petersburg to the far eastern Vladivostok over 9000 kilometres away. Both separated by the immense wastelands of Siberia, home to towns such as Omsk and Tomsk. Along the way discovering the magical Olkon island on Lake Baikal. There are enough options in Russia to keep you busier than a Jehova’s Witness at a Doors tribute night.

Completely Useless Facts about Russia

• Fourteen countries share a land border with Russia: Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Belarus, Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, China and North Korea.
• Russians are the world’s fourth-biggest drinkers behind Belarus, Moldova and Lithuania. Until 2011, anything with less than 10% alcohol wasn't classified as an alcoholic drink. Instead, rather a foodstuff.
• The Trans-Siberian railway almost spans the whole country. Departing from Moscow and arriving in Vladivostok in the far east. The entire journey is 9,200km long (5,700miles) and takes 152 hours and 27 minutes to complete non-stop. Thus making it the world’s longest railway.
• Russia is home to Oymyakon, the coldest inhabited place on Earth. On 6th February 1933, its weather station recorded a temperature of -67.8 °C.
• Capital: Moscow.
• Population: 143.4 million.
• Area: 17 million sq km. (6.6 million sq miles)
• Major language: Russian.
• Major religions: Christianity, Islam.
• Currency: Ruble.