Russia is the largest country in the world, spanning across two continents, Europe and Asia. With a total area of 17.1 million square kilometers, it is nearly twice the size of the United States. Due to its vastness, Russia shares borders with more countries than any other nation in the world. In this article, we will explore the countries that share borders with Russia, and their significance.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction
Russia is the largest country in the world, spanning across two continents, Europe and Asia. With a total area of 17.1 million square kilometers, it is nearly twice the size of the United States. Due to its vastness, Russia shares borders with more countries than any other nation in the world. In this article, we will explore the countries that share borders with Russia, and their significance.
Which countries share borders with Russia?
Russia shares borders with 14 countries, including Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Belarus, Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, China, North Korea, and Mongolia. These countries have varying degrees of political, economic, and cultural relationships with Russia.
European Neighbors
Let's start with Russia's European neighbors. Norway and Finland share borders with Russia in the north. Norway has a 196-kilometer border with Russia, while Finland shares a 1,340-kilometer border. Both countries have historically had good relations with Russia, although tensions have risen in recent years due to Russia's actions in Ukraine.
Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are the three Baltic states that share borders with Russia. These countries gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 and joined the European Union in 2004. They have had strained relations with Russia due to historical and political reasons, including the annexation of Crimea in 2014.
Poland is another European neighbor of Russia. The two countries share a 206-kilometer border. Poland has historically had a complicated relationship with Russia, with both countries having fought numerous wars over the centuries. Current tensions have arisen due to Poland's alignment with the European Union and NATO.
What is the significance of these European neighbors?
These European neighbors of Russia are significant due to their location and historical relationships. Russia has historically viewed these countries as part of its sphere of influence, and tensions have arisen when these countries align themselves with the West. The annexation of Crimea in 2014 has also raised concerns about Russian aggression towards neighboring countries.
Eastern Neighbors
Now let's move on to Russia's eastern neighbors. Belarus and Ukraine share long borders with Russia. Belarus is often referred to as Russia's closest ally, with the two countries sharing political and economic ties. Ukraine, on the other hand, has had a complicated relationship with Russia. The annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine have strained relations between the two countries.
Georgia and Azerbaijan are two countries in the Caucasus region that share borders with Russia. Both countries have had complicated relationships with Russia, with conflicts arising over issues such as territory, oil pipelines, and political influence.
What is the significance of these Eastern neighbors?
These Eastern neighbors of Russia are significant due to their strategic location and natural resources. Russia has historically viewed these countries as part of its sphere of influence, and tensions have arisen when these countries align themselves with the West. Conflicts have also arisen over issues such as territory, oil pipelines, and political influence.
Asian Neighbors
Finally, let's move on to Russia's Asian neighbors. Kazakhstan, China, North Korea, and Mongolia share borders with Russia. Kazakhstan is Russia's closest ally in Central Asia, with the two countries sharing economic and political ties. China is Russia's largest neighbor, sharing a 4,209-kilometer border. The two countries have historically had good relations, although tensions have arisen over issues such as territorial disputes and economic competition.
North Korea and Mongolia are two other Asian countries that share borders with Russia. North Korea has a short 19-kilometer border with Russia, while Mongolia shares a 3,452-kilometer border. Mongolia has historically had good relations with Russia, while North Korea has had a complicated relationship due to its nuclear program and human rights abuses.
What is the significance of these Asian neighbors?
These Asian neighbors of Russia are significant due to their natural resources and strategic location. Russia has historically viewed these countries as part of its sphere of influence, although tensions have arisen over issues such as territorial disputes and economic competition.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Russia shares borders with 14 countries across Europe and Asia. These countries have varying degrees of political, economic, and cultural relationships with Russia, and tensions have arisen over historical, political, and economic reasons. Understanding the geography and significance of these countries is important for understanding Russia's place in the world.
Question and Answer
Q: How many countries share borders with Russia?
A: Russia shares borders with 14 countries.
Q: Which countries share borders with Russia?
A: Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Belarus, Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, China, North Korea, and Mongolia share borders with Russia.
Q: What is the significance of these neighboring countries?
A: These neighboring countries are significant due to their strategic location, natural resources, and historical relationships with Russia. Tensions have arisen over historical, political, and economic reasons.
