Russia is a vast country, as well as the world's largest nation by far. Readers of this volume will learn about the country's varied landscape, lakes and rivers, climate, and environmental zones. Russia's natural resources and the impact these have had on the country's settlement patterns are also discussed. Moscow is the focus of one chapter, while another celebrates Russia's many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Maps, charts, and sidebars provide extra information, while colorful photographs give readers a glimpse of some of Russia's most spectacular natural scenery.