Moscow, Russia
Moscow, the capital and largest city of Russia, is situated along the banks of the Moskva River in Central Russia. With a population exceeding 13 million within the city limits, over 19.1 million in the wider urban area, and approximately 21.5 million in its metropolitan vicinity, Moscow is one of the most populous cities in the world. Covering an area of 970 square miles, it boasts an urban expanse of 2,275 square miles and a metropolitan area that extends beyond 10,000 square miles. As the largest city by land area in Europe, it stands out as the most populous city on the continent.
First documented in 1147, Moscow evolved into the capital of the Grand Duchy of Moscow. Throughout much of its history, it played a crucial role as the political and economic hub of Russia. However, during the reign of Peter the Great, the capital was relocated to the newly established St. Petersburg in 1712, diminishing Moscow's prominence. The city regained its status as the capital in 1918 following the Russian Revolution and the formation of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic, later becoming the heart of the Soviet Union. Even after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Moscow has remained the capital of the newly independent Russian Federation.
As the northernmost and coldest megacity in the world, Moscow operates as a federal city and serves as the political, economic, cultural, and scientific epicenter of Russia and Eastern Europe. It features one of the largest urban economies globally and is rapidly emerging as a top tourist destination, ranking among Europe’s most visited cities. Notably, Moscow is home to the second-highest number of billionaires of any city, tied with Hong Kong. The Moscow International Business Center stands out as one of the largest financial districts in the world, showcasing many of Europe’s tallest skyscrapers. Additionally, the city hosted the 1980 Summer Olympics and was one of the venues for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Moscow is rich in history and culture, featuring several UNESCO World Heritage Sites and renowned for its stunning Russian architecture. Notable landmarks include Red Square, Saint Basil's Cathedral, and the Moscow Kremlin, which serves as the seat of power for the Russian government. The city is a hub for various industries and boasts a comprehensive transit system, including four international airports, ten railway terminals, a tram system, a monorail, and the Moscow Metro, which is the busiest in Europe and one of the largest rapid transit systems worldwide. Over 40 percent of the city's territory is adorned with greenery, making it one of the greenest urban areas globally.
Source: Wikipedia
