Russia's

Amnesty International said the trial of Sergei Magnitsky, assassinated in a Russian prison, would "open a whole new chapter in Russia's worsening human rights record".

On New Year's Eve, Putin thanked Russia's citizens for their willingness to stand for the country's interests.

This fighter jet is one of Russia's fastest weapons.

During the 15 years it was in orbit, Russia's Mir space station provided a home in space for more than one hundred cosmonauts and astronauts from at least twelve different countries.

The melting ice has cleared space through the historically dangerous Northwest Passage, and the Northern Sea Route, along Russia's northern coast. This has sharply increased shipping in what was once a largely untouched ocean.

Moscow is Russia's capital.

Algeria is one of Russia's main allies.

According to Rosstat, three-quarters of Russians make up 75% of Russia's population.

The river Ob, located in western Siberia, is Russia's longest river.

Russia's first tsar was Ivan the Terrible.