Being such a vast country, the geography of Russia varies wildly – European Russia plays host to low hills and plains, the Southern border regions contain uplands and vast mountain ranges and Siberia is home to vast coniferous forests and the beautiful blinding whiteness of the arctic tundra. Running 2500km from the north to the south is the Ural Mountain range, which is home to the Virgin Komi Forests – a World Heritage Site – in the northern section of the mountains. There are numerous other mountain ranges all over the Federation, which include the largest peak in Europe – Mount El’Brus. Russia is also host to highlands, glacial regions and other geographical areas of interest to the budding adventurer. The climate of Russia varies wildly, again thanks to the size of the country, with a continental humidity prevalent in areas west of the Urals, sub-arctic and tundra conditions in Siberia and the polar north and steppes in the south – areas where it is not dry enough to be a desert, but not wet enough to be a forest. Russia is really set apart from other countries with the massive difference shown by the winter in different regions, with temperatures ranging from 10C in some areas to as low as -50C in the extreme. Natural hazards include permafrost over a lot of Siberia, volcanic activity, earthquakes, spring floods and summer/autumn fires, but again because of the vastness of the country this is not all in one area. Thankfully.

The biggest country in the world and one of the biggest histories of recent times to go along with it, Russia has seen a lot of change over the years. From the revolution of 1917 and the rise of the Soviet Union, through the Communist rule of Lenin, the wartime brutality of Stalin, the Cold War, economic decline and the fall of Communism in the early 90s Russia has been through more than most countries could ever dream of. And this amazing brief history is just in the last one hundred years.

Once a world superpower, Russia is now a nation struggling with identity and getting itself back on track on the world stage. Economic growth has been on the increase over the last six years and stability has returned – in the most part at least – with the centralised government of Vladimir Putin. Strong oil export industries along with natural gas, metals and timber have re-energised the Russian economy and helped to cut its foreign debts by around 62%, making for a much more economically sound nation. Though this is the case, an estimated quarter of the population still live below the poverty line, unemployment is around 8% and there is considerable underemployment in the country. Conflicts in Chechnya, drug trafficking and organised crime are all areas of major concern throughout Russia, though the government maintains that it is combating these elements with an iron fist. But even these negative elements do not detract from the fact that Russia is a beautiful country with historic cities, breathtaking architecture, astounding countryside and friendly people.

Russia has strong, well-developed medical facilities in the major cities. A mutual health care agreement is enacted between the UK and Russia, meaning British citizens receive free treatment should they become ill, and only have to pay small fees for medicines and suchlike. Any longer stays do cost though, and medical treatment can be very expensive. As a result, it is recommended that all visitors cover themselves with full health insurance. It is also recommended that visitors bring with them a supply of basic medicines – though it should be checked that they are legal before entering the country. Private healthcare is also available, but again is very expensive. Medical services in rural areas are of poor quality, and even basic medicines and tools are in short supply, so travellers should be aware that it is not uncommon for things such as needles to be re-used.

Mobile phone and landline coverage is very good in urban areas, but very weak to non-existent in rural areas, with landline services classed as outdated and underprovided and mobile services generally not even being supplied.

Normal business hours are Mon-Sat 0900-1900, whereas office hours are 0900-1800. The majority of food shops are open on Sundays, and 24-hour openings are becoming all the more frequent.

A handshake is customary when greeting someone, and company or business gifts are well-received. Hotels in Moscow and other large cities include a 10-15 percent service charge in their bills, but otherwise the customary tipping amount is 10 percent.