With more than 115 years exploring the globe with its writers, photographers, and research expeditions, National Geographic is uniquely positioned to introduce young readers to everything they need to know about the countries of the world. Russia is the world's largest country - spanning two continents. This book reviews its vast national history, from the Tsars to the Soviet Union to today's Russian Federation. It explores its richly diverse topography - coniferous forests, semideserts, steppes, tundra - with an array of climates to match. It explores its population and fascinating culture, from the Bolshoi Ballet to Tolstoy and Pushkin. A special website directory offers report writers authenticated sources for flags, national anthems, time differences, current weather and climate, and currency conversion.