p>Written and Fact-checked by Whereig Editors | Last Updated On: June 18, 2026
Moscow is the capital and most populous city of Russia. Moscow is situated on the Moskva River in the Central Russia. Moscow is the world's largest cities, the largest city by land area and the largest metropolitan area in Europe. The city covers an area of 2,511 square kilometres (970 sq mi).
Moscow is located on the Moskva River in the western part of European Russia. Moscow is the capital city of Russian Federation.
Moscow is most important political, economic, financial, scientific, religious, educational, cultural, and transportation center of Russia. A resident of Moscow is known as Moskvitch, and in English it is Muscovite.
Interestingly, as per the report published by Forbes Magazine 2011, Moscow has maximum number of billionaires (i.e. 79) in the world; it replaced the New York City. City has long history of serving as capital; its Kremlin is one of the popular sites which is also listed as World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Surprisingly, Moscow has comprehensive transit network systems including four international airports, an extensive Moscow Metro, and nine railroad terminals. All these features collectively made Moscow as one of the most significant cities of the world.
Besides, Moscow is one of the most popular tourist's destinations of the world. It has various attractions that fascinate tourists to visit the place. Important of them are museums (most popular is the Tretyakov Gallery), art galleries, Moscow circus and various other landscapes.
Moscow, Moscow Federal City Quick Facts
Fact
Details
City
Moscow
Federal Subject
Moscow Federal City
Country
Russia
National Capital
Moscow
Region
Western Russia
Latitude
55.7558° N
Longitude
37.6173° E
Elevation
512 ft (156 m)
Land Area
991 sq mi
Water Area
Includes rivers, reservoirs and urban waterways
Total Area
991 sq mi
Population (Latest Estimate)
Approximately 13.2 million
Population Density
Approximately 13,300 per sq mi
Postal Codes
101000-129347 and other districts
Area Code
+7 495, +7 499
Time Zone Standard
Moscow Standard Time (UTC+3)
Time Zone Daylight
No daylight saving time observed
Currency
Russian Ruble (RUB)
Administrative Code
Federal City of Moscow
National Representation
State Duma Constituencies
Nearby Cities to Moscow, Russia
Khimki, Russia - 12 mi Northwest
Mytishchi, Russia - 11 mi Northeast
Balashikha, Russia - 12 mi East
Lyubertsy, Russia - 14 mi Southeast
Odintsovo, Russia - 14 mi West
Podolsk, Russia - 23 mi South
Korolyov, Russia - 15 mi Northeast
Krasnogorsk, Russia - 14 mi Northwest
Zelenograd, Russia - 24 mi Northwest
Pushkino, Russia - 21 mi Northeast
Moscow, Russia Climate and Weather Overview
Month
Avg High (°F)
Avg Low (°F)
Avg Rainfall (in)
January
27
17
1.7
April
54
36
1.5
July
76
58
3.7
October
50
39
2.3
Annual
52
38
28.0
Climate Attribute
Details
Climate Classification (Köppen)
Dfb - Humid Continental
Annual Rainfall
Approximately 28 inches
Annual Sunshine Days
Approximately 1,700 sunshine hours
Hurricane/Tornado Risk
Very Low
Snowfall
Heavy winter snowfall
Driving Distances from Moscow, Russia
City
Region
Distance (mi)
Approx. Drive Time
Mytishchi
Moscow Oblast
11
20 min
Khimki
Moscow Oblast
12
20 min
Balashikha
Moscow Oblast
12
25 min
Odintsovo
Moscow Oblast
14
25 min
Krasnogorsk
Moscow Oblast
14
25 min
Lyubertsy
Moscow Oblast
14
30 min
Korolyov
Moscow Oblast
15
30 min
Pushkino
Moscow Oblast
21
35 min
Podolsk
Moscow Oblast
23
40 min
Zelenograd
Moscow Federal City
24
40 min
Transportation and Connectivity in Moscow, Russia
Airport Name
Sheremetyevo International Airport
IATA Code
SVO
Port
River Port of Moscow
Major Highways
M1, M2, M3, M4, MKAD Ring Road
Train Service
Russian Railways, High-Speed Rail and International Rail
Local Transit Service
Moscow Metro, Trams, Buses and Commuter Rail
MKAD Ring Road - Major orbital highway surrounding Moscow.
M1 Highway - Connects Moscow with Smolensk and Belarus.
M2 Highway - Main route toward southern Russia.
M4 Highway - Connects Moscow with Voronezh and the Black Sea region.
Moscow Metro - One of the world's largest and busiest rapid transit systems.
Key Landmarks and Places to Visit in Moscow, Russia
Landmark Name
Type
Red Square
Historic Square
Moscow Kremlin
UNESCO Site
Saint Basil's Cathedral
Religious Landmark
Bolshoi Theatre
Performing Arts Venue
Gorky Park
Urban Park
Tretyakov Gallery
Art Museum
VDNKh
Exhibition Complex
Cathedral of Christ the Saviour
Religious Site
Arbat Street
Historic Street
Zaryadye Park
Urban Park
Places to Visit in Moscow, Russia
Landmark Name
Type
Red Square
Historic Square
Moscow Kremlin
UNESCO Site
Saint Basil's Cathedral
Religious Landmark
Bolshoi Theatre
Performing Arts Venue
Gorky Park
Urban Park
Tretyakov Gallery
Art Museum
VDNKh
Exhibition Complex
Cathedral of Christ the Saviour
Religious Site
Arbat Street
Historic Street
Zaryadye Park
Urban Park
Colleges and Universities in Moscow, Russia
Institution Name
Type
Level
Notable For
Lomonosov Moscow State University
Public
University
Research excellence
Bauman Moscow State Technical University
Public
University
Engineering and technology
National Research University Higher School of Economics
Public
University
Economics and policy
Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology
Public
University
Science and innovation
Peoples' Friendship University of Russia
Public
University
International education
Waterbodies in Moscow, Russia
Moskva River, Yauza River, Khimki Reservoir, Strogino Bay, Klyazma Reservoir, Pirogov Reservoir, Serebryany Bor Waters, Golovinskoye Pond, Tsaritsyno Ponds, Moscow Canal
Golf Courses in Moscow, Russia
Moscow Country Club, Skolkovo Golf Club, Agalarov Golf & Country Club, Pestovo Golf Club, Tseleevo Golf & Polo Club, Forest Hills Golf Club, Links National Golf Club, Dmitrov Golf Resort, Nakhabino Golf Club, Pine Creek Moscow Practice Facility
Moscow, Russia - Key Historical Facts
Moscow was first mentioned in historical records in 1147 and grew into an important political and trading center.
The city became the capital of the Grand Duchy of Moscow and later the Russian state.
Moscow's Kremlin developed into the symbolic and administrative heart of Russia.
The city served as the capital of the Soviet Union from 1918 until its dissolution in 1991.
Moscow played a crucial role during World War II, particularly in the defense of the Soviet Union.
Today, Moscow is Russia's largest city and serves as the country's political, economic and cultural center.