Country | Russian Federation |
Population | 45000000 |
Area | 2,561.5[4] km2 (989.0 sq mi) |
Time Zone | UTC+3 (MSK[10]) |
Coordinates | 55.75222, 37.61556 |
Highest elevation | 156 m (512 ft) |
City Gallery
City Description
Moscow, the capital and largest city of Russia, stands majestically on the Moskva River in Central Russia. The city boasts a population exceeding 13 million residents within its city limits, over 18.8 million in the urban area, and more than 21.5 million in its metropolitan area. Covering an area of 2,511 square kilometers (970 square miles) for the city proper, 5,891 square kilometers (2,275 square miles) for the urban area, and over 26,000 square kilometers (10,000 square miles) for the metropolitan area, Moscow is a colossal urban expanse.
First documented in 1147, Moscow grew to become the capital of the Grand Duchy of Moscow. It continued to be the political and economic hub through the Tsardom of Russia period. Although Peter the Great shifted the capital to Saint Petersburg in 1712, Moscow regained its status as the capital in 1918 following the Russian Revolution and remained so after the Soviet Union’s dissolution, becoming the political heart of the Russian Federation.
Moscow is renowned as the northernmost and coldest megacity in the world. It functions as a federal city and is the political, economic, cultural, and scientific nucleus of Russia and Eastern Europe. As an alpha world city, it boasts one of the globe’s largest urban economies. The Moscow International Business Center stands out as one of the biggest financial hubs in Europe and the world, housing many of Europe’s tallest skyscrapers.
Moscow is an artistic and scientific haven, home to numerous Russian artists, scientists, and sports figures. The city is adorned with museums, academic and political institutions, and theaters. Several UNESCO World Heritage Sites are located here, including the iconic Red Square, Saint Basil’s Cathedral, and the Moscow Kremlin, the latter being the epicenter of Russian political power.
The city is also one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations globally and is a major cultural center, featuring a rich display of Russian architecture. Moscow hosted the 1980 Summer Olympics and was one of the host cities for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, further cementing its global significance.
Moscow’s economy is robust, with an estimated GDP of over $200 billion (PPP). It serves as a premier industrial and financial center of Russia, generating substantial tax revenues and hosting a large number of multinational corporations. The city’s infrastructure is highly developed, with four international airports, ten railway terminals, an extensive tram system, a monorail system, and the Moscow Metro, which is the busiest in Europe and one of the largest rapid transit systems worldwide.
Adding to its charm, Moscow is one of the greenest cities globally, with over 40 percent of its territory covered by greenery. This extensive coverage of parks and green spaces provides a refreshing contrast to its bustling urban landscape, making Moscow a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity.
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