Geography in Russia

The discipline of geography in Russia has evolved during the twenty years since the systemic transformation of Russia following the collapse of the Soviet Union. Viewed from a historical perspective, geography has undergone distinct changes throughout the Imperial, Soviet, and current Russian eras. In this sense, the history of geography in Russia is richer and more complex than it may seem at first glance. When discussing the present situation of geography in Russia, it is important to consider historical continuity and discontinuity. Accordingly, this paper examines the present situation of geography in Russia, partly by adopting a historical approach, based primarily on previous literature. The following main characteristics of geography in Russia were identified. Russia has two kinds of scientific center-the Academy of Sciences and the universities in addition to its famous Geographical Society and large national territory. As a result, Russia has become one of the world leaders in the fields of geography and geographical education. Russian geography includes a wide range of fields of geography, known in Russia as the "geographical sciences," and has experienced ecologization since the late 1970s. The influence of the systemic transformation on geography, although it varies by field, has not completely ceased today. Recently, new sources of support for the development of geography have emerged. One of the factors involved in most of the above-mentioned characteristics is the relationship between geography and the government. This concept is used to explain changes in the discipline of geography from the Imperial era to the present.