Moscow

Russia's capital and largest city is Moscow. With an estimated 12.4 million people living inside the city borders, over 17 million people living in the urban area, and over 20 million people living in the metropolitan area, the city is located on the Moskva River in Central Russia. The urban area is 5,891 square kilometers (2,275 sq mi), the metropolitan region is about 26,000 square kilometers, and the city is 2,511 square kilometers (970 sq mi) in size (10,000 sq mi). Being the most populous city in all of Europe, the largest urban and metropolitan region in Europe, and the largest city by land area on the continent of Europe, Moscow is one of the largest cities in the globe.

Moscow, which was first mentioned in 1147, developed into a great city that served as the seat of the Grand Duchy that bore its name. Moscow continued to be the political and economic hub of Russia for the majority of the Tsardom's history even after the Grand Duchy of Moscow transformed into the Tsardom of Russia. The capital was transferred from Moscow to Saint Petersburg when the Russian Empire was founded, which reduced Moscow's power. Following the October Revolution, the capital was moved back to Moscow, and the city once again served as the political hub of the Russian SFSR and then the Soviet Union. Moscow remained the capital of the modern, recently formed Russian Federation following the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Due to the presence of its numerous museums, academic and political institutions, and theaters, Moscow, which serves as the historical center of Russia, is home to many Russian artists, scientists, and sports leaders. Numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites may be found in the city, which is also well renowned for its display of Russian architecture, including the ancient Red Square, Saint Basil's Cathedral, and the Moscow Kremlin, which houses the seat of the Russian government. There are many Russian businesses in Moscow, which is served by a vast transportation network that includes four international airports, ten rail terminals, a tramway, a monorail system, and most notably the Moscow Metro, one of the biggest rapid transit networks in the world and the busiest metro in Europe. The city is among the greenest in Europe and the entire world because more than 40% of its area is covered with vegetation.

Population - 2021: 12,655,050