Size Matters

Judging Россия (Rossiya, that’s Russia) is something anyone is free to do. But to do it with some credibility, and to understand Russia to begin with, you should include its geography and size. Russia is the biggest country in the world, and that has a major impact on a lot of things.

Biggest in the whole world

Of all the countries there are (about 200), Россия (in terms of area) is by far the biggest country in the world, and it has never been easily comprehended. Just learning the language will keep you busy for quite a while, and even then, it won’t make you an expert.

‘Geography = Destiny’

Step by step, and first things first. Trying to understand the country might best begin by grasping its sheer size. And understanding the consequences of that size. Here are three clips on what it means to be the largest. Especially for those who speak English: no sweat, and yet a nice introduction. Watch all three in about half an hour and you’ll be a bit wiser – or at least less of a дурак (fool) than before.

Understanding the Russian Mindset
(2014, 14 mins)

The Map That Shows Why Russia Feels Surrounded
(2016, 7 mins, lecture by Mike Malloney)

Russia’s Geography Problem
(2017, 12 mins)

Update 2020

More on size and geopolitics in:

• Real Reason Why Russia Wants To Expand (The Infographics Show, 2020, 10 m)
• How Russia Got So Big (KhAnubis, 2020, 8 m)
• How big is Russia Actually? (Start Thinking, 2020, 4 m)

Read: How Russia’s size has become its problem (Russia Beyond, 2019)

last edited 18-12-2020