Russia has a long and complex political history, dating back to the establishment of the Kievan Rus’ state in the 9th century. In the modern era, the Russian Empire was ruled by the Tsars, who held absolute power, until the Russian Revolution of 1917. The revolution led to the establishment of the Soviet Union, which was ruled by a single party, the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU), under the leadership of Vladimir Lenin and later Joseph Stalin.
The Soviet Union was a one-party state, with a planned economy and strict government control over society. It was also a superpower during the Cold War, and was involved in a number of international conflicts, including the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
In 1991, following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia became an independent country again, and started a democratic transition under the leadership of Boris Yeltsin. However, the transition was marked by economic turmoil and political instability, and in 2000, Vladimir Putin, who was serving as the Prime Minister, became the President of Russia.
During Putin’s tenure, Russia has seen a resurgence of its global influence, but also a significant centralization of power and restriction of political opposition, civil society and media. Putin’s rule was marked by assertiveness in foreign policy, territorial expansion, and a more authoritarian governance. Putin served as President twice, 2000-2008 and 2012-2024. His tenure was marked by a number of controversies, including allegations of human rights violations and interference in foreign elections.
Dmitry Medvedev served as President from 2008 to 2012, during Putin’s tenure as Prime Minister. Putin returned to the presidency in 2012 and is currently serving as the President of Russia.
Official Name
Russian Federation
Local Name
Rossiya
Capital
Moscow
Government
Form: Federation
Head of Government: Prime Minister
Head of State: President
Independence
24th August 1991 (from the Soviet Union)
12th June (celebrated as ‘National Day’ aka ‘Independence Day’)
Voting Age
18
Legal System
Civil law system
Judicial review of legislative acts
Highest Court
Supreme Court of the Russian Federation
National Emblem
Double Headed Eagle
National Anthem
Gimn Rossiyskoy Federatsii
National Animal
Eurasian Brown Bear
National Flower
Chamomile
National Tree
Siberian Larch
Articles
The Life of Vasily Stalin