Russia, officially known as the Russian Federation, is the largest country in the world by land area. It spans two continents and covers 11 time zones. The country is divided into 85 federal subjects, which include 46 oblasts (regions), 22 republics, 9 krais (territories), 4 autonomous okrugs (districts), 1 autonomous oblast, and 3 federal cities.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
The Basics: Understanding Russia's Political Structure
Russia, officially known as the Russian Federation, is the largest country in the world by land area. It spans two continents and covers 11 time zones. The country is divided into 85 federal subjects, which include 46 oblasts (regions), 22 republics, 9 krais (territories), 4 autonomous okrugs (districts), 1 autonomous oblast, and 3 federal cities.
The federal subjects of Russia have varying levels of autonomy and are governed by a combination of federal and local authorities. The republics, for example, have more autonomy than the oblasts and krais, and are home to ethnic minorities who have their own unique languages and cultures.
How Many States in Russia?
The short answer is 85. As mentioned earlier, Russia is divided into 85 federal subjects. However, the question of how many states Russia has can be a bit confusing, as the country's political structure is quite different from that of the United States, for example.
While the federal subjects of Russia are often referred to as "states" in English, this term can be misleading. Unlike the states of the United States, which have their own constitutions and distinct political systems, the federal subjects of Russia are all governed by the same federal constitution.
That being said, the federal subjects of Russia do have varying levels of autonomy and are responsible for a wide range of government functions, including education, healthcare, and law enforcement.
Why Does It Matter?
So, why does the question of how many states Russia has matter? For one, it's important to have a basic understanding of the country's political structure if you're interested in Russian politics or history.
Additionally, knowing how many federal subjects there are in Russia can be useful if you're planning a trip to the country. Each region has its own unique culture, history, and attractions, so it's worth doing some research to decide which areas you want to visit.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the largest federal subject in Russia?
A: The largest federal subject in Russia is Sakha Republic (also known as Yakutia), which covers an area of more than 3 million square kilometers.
Q: Are there any federal subjects in Russia that are not located on the mainland?
A: Yes, there are three federal subjects in Russia that are not located on the mainland: the Republic of Crimea, the federal city of Sevastopol, and the Kaliningrad Oblast.
Q: How are the federal subjects of Russia represented in the federal government?
A: The federal subjects of Russia are represented in the Federal Council (also known as the Federation Council), which is the upper house of the Russian parliament. Each federal subject has two representatives in the council.
Conclusion
So, how many states are in Russia in 2021? The answer is 85. While the federal subjects of Russia are often referred to as "states," it's important to keep in mind that they are all governed by the same federal constitution and do not have the same level of autonomy as the states of the United States, for example.
Regardless, understanding the political structure of Russia and its federal subjects is an important part of understanding the country's history, culture, and politics. Whether you're planning a trip to Russia or simply have an interest in the country, knowing how many federal subjects there are is a good place to start.
