Russia is the largest country in the world by land area, stretching across Eastern Europe and northern Asia. It has a long history, many ethnic groups, and a strong influence on global politics and culture.
The name comes from Medieval Latin *Russia*, from Old East Slavic *Русь* (*Rus’*), referring to the people and lands ruled by the early Rus’ leaders, originally Norse traders and settlers. Over time, the term expanded to cover a much larger territory.
The word *Russia* is linked to Viking traders who traveled rivers, not just to Slavic farmers on land. A name that once described a small group of river‑rulers now labels a vast country across eleven time zones. Place names often freeze one tiny moment of history and then get stretched over centuries.
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