Russia

Russia is the largest country in the world, spanning eastern Europe and northern Asia. It has a long and complex history dating back to the early Slavic tribes and the medieval principality of Kiev. In the 16th century, Russia emerged as a powerful empire under the rule of the Tsars, expanding its territory through conquest and colonization. In the 20th century, Russia experienced significant upheaval, including the Russian Revolution of 1917, which led to the establishment of the Soviet Union. Under Soviet rule, Russia became a major superpower, engaging in a tense rivalry with the United States during the Cold War. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia transitioned to a market economy and a more democratic political system under President Boris Yeltsin. In recent years, Russia has become known for its assertive foreign policy and tensions with Western nations, particularly over conflicts in Ukraine and Syria.