Russia is the largest country in the world, spanning two continents and 11 time zones. It is a federal semi-presidential republic and is divided into 85 federal subjects. These subjects are divided into 22 republics, nine territories, 46 oblasts, one autonomous oblast, four autonomous okrugs, and three federal cities.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
The Basics of the Russian Federation
Russia is the largest country in the world, spanning two continents and 11 time zones. It is a federal semi-presidential republic and is divided into 85 federal subjects. These subjects are divided into 22 republics, nine territories, 46 oblasts, one autonomous oblast, four autonomous okrugs, and three federal cities.
What is a Federal Subject?
A federal subject is a political division within the Russian Federation that has a degree of autonomy. They are similar to states in the United States or provinces in Canada.
What is the Difference Between a Republic and an Oblast?
A republic is a federal subject that has a population of a particular ethnic group. They have their own constitution, flag, and anthem. An oblast is a federal subject that is primarily based on geographic boundaries.
The Number of Federal Subjects in Russia
As of 2020, there are 85 federal subjects in Russia. This number has not changed since the admission of the Republic of Crimea and the federal city of Sevastopol in 2014.
Why Did Russia Annex Crimea?
In 2014, Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine, which caused international controversy. Russia claimed that Crimea was historically part of Russia and that it was necessary to protect the rights of ethnic Russians living in Crimea.
How Did the Annexation of Crimea Affect the Number of Federal Subjects?
The annexation of Crimea and the inclusion of Sevastopol as a federal city did not change the number of federal subjects in Russia. Crimea and Sevastopol are both considered federal subjects within the Russian Federation.
The Diversity of the Federal Subjects
The federal subjects of Russia are incredibly diverse, both in terms of geography and culture. The republics are home to a variety of ethnic groups, including Tatars, Bashkirs, and Chechens. The territories and oblasts are primarily Russian-speaking, but there are also significant populations of other ethnic groups.
What is the Largest Federal Subject in Russia?
The largest federal subject in Russia is Sakha Republic (Yakutia), which is located in northeastern Siberia. It is also the largest subnational governing body in the world, covering an area of over 3.1 million square kilometers.
What is the Smallest Federal Subject in Russia?
The smallest federal subject in Russia is the city of Sevastopol, which has a population of approximately 450,000 people.
The Future of the Russian Federation
The Russian Federation has faced a number of challenges in recent years, including economic sanctions and political tensions with other countries. However, it remains a powerful and influential player on the world stage.
Will the Number of Federal Subjects in Russia Change in the Future?
It is possible that the number of federal subjects in Russia could change in the future. There have been discussions about creating new federal subjects, such as the proposed merger of the Kemerovo Oblast and Altai Krai. However, any changes to the federal subjects would require approval from the Russian government.
What Does the Future Hold for the Russian Federation?
The future of the Russian Federation is uncertain, but it is likely that it will continue to play a significant role in world affairs. The country will need to navigate a number of challenges in the years to come, but its size and resources give it a unique position in the global community.
Conclusion
Russia is a vast and diverse country that is divided into 85 federal subjects. These subjects range from republics with specific ethnic populations to oblasts that are primarily based on geographic boundaries. The future of the Russian Federation is uncertain, but its size and resources give it a unique position in the world.
Are There Any Questions You Have About Russia's Federal Subjects?
If you have any questions about Russia's federal subjects, feel free to ask in the comments below. We will do our best to answer your questions and provide additional information.
