Russian Federation
The Russian Federation, spanning eleven time zones, is the world's largest country by land area, stretching from Eastern Europe to Northern Asia.
Its governmental structure is a semi‑presidential republic, with a strong central authority and a multi‑party political system that has evolved significantly since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Russia's economy is heavily resource‑based, driven by oil and gas exports, yet it also hosts a diverse industrial base and a growing technology sector. Culturally rich, Russia has made enduring global contributions to literature, music, ballet, mathematics, and space exploration.