Russia is the largest country in the world encompassing much of northern Eurasia. It shares borders with 14 countries including 6 New Silk Road countries. Russia has access to 13 of the world's seas giving in turn access to the Arctic, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.

The size of the country is reflected within its geography. From north to south the country is swathed sequentially in vast areas of tundra, coniferous forest (taiga), mixed and broad-leaf forests, grassland (steppe), and semi-desert as the changes in vegetation reflect the changes in climate; the eastern area of the country sees greater regions of taiga which are more suited to the colder climate.

Russia is one of the world's richest countries in terms of mineral wealth. It is ranked first in the world for natural gas reserves and eighth for crude oil reserves.