Large but Unseen: Why Is It Like That?

Most of the world knows that Russia is the largest country on the planet, but few people think about the true implications of such vast space. Some imagine cold Siberia and rainy Saint Petersburg. Others picture frozen Yakutsk or Putin in a "warm enough" Moscow. Yet, not everyone can grasp the incredible diversity of Russia’s flora and fauna. Can you?

With an area of over 17 million km2, Russia does not have a uniform climate. Temperatures across this enormous country vary dramatically. According to the meteorological site WorldData, "While it can get as cold as -60°C at night in eastern Siberia, the steppe regions of central Russia often experience temperatures of 35°C and higher." Russia encompasses multiple climate zones, including polar, temperate, subtropical, and even monsoon climates.

Extreme climate variations across Russia, from -60°C in Siberia to over 35°C in Sochi

One fascinating fact about exploring Russia is the chance to witness the Northern Lights! The best places to watch them include:

- Murmansk, Kola Peninsula

- Arkhangelsk

- Naryan-Mar

- Novaya Zemlya

- Taimyr Peninsula - Yamal

The mesmerizing Northern Lights in Russia’s northern regions

Beyond the lights, Russia boasts many natural wonders that are too beautiful to miss. These include the Kungur Cave in the Perm Region, Ruskeala National Park in Karelia (often called the "Land of Forests and Lakes"), and the Altai Mountains, which are frequently compared to the Alps due to their breathtaking views and vast green meadows.

There's also a sense of wonder that every Russian feels about their local environment, no matter how many times they’ve seen it. Speaking of local natural sights, I can’t leave out Lake Baikal. Located in southern Siberia, between Irkutsk Oblast and the Republic of Buryatia, Baikal is a UNESCO

World Heritage Site. It holds 20% of the world’s freshwater and is home to at least 2,600 species, many of which exist nowhere else. Visitors often call Baikal a "powerful mental battery" because of the palpable energy that surrounds the lake.

Russia's vastness is not just about size but also about the remarkable range of climates, landscapes, and ecosystems. If you plan to visit, make sure to explore some of these incredible places, so you don’t leave thinking that Russia is a land of uniform climates and scenery.

Resources used:

• worlddata.info
  
• https://www.56thparallel.com
  

Additional thanks to some of the photos to https://www.pexels.com