Moscow: Overview

Russia's barometer shows a country fast coming in from the cold.

Moscow is the barometer and nucleus of the changes sweeping through Russia. Nowhere are Russia's contrasts more apparent than here - ancient monasteries and ultra-modern monoliths stand side by side, and 'New Russian' millionaires and poverty-stricken pensioners walk the same streets.

Moscovites now prefer international name brands to monolithic department stores, and the beautiful churches vandalised or abandoned during the Soviet era of hardline atheism are being lovingly restored. But the real flavour of this city is in its nooks and crannies, each of them unique.

Fast Facts

Population

8,300,000

Currency

Name: Russian Ruble
Code: RUB
Symbol: Rbl

Electrical Plugs

European plug with two circular metal pins
220V 50Hz

Languages Spoken

Official: Russian

Time Zones

GMT/UTC +3 

Country Dialing Code

+7

Weights & Measures

Metric

Moscow - Free Guidebook Chapter

Moscow - Pick & Mix Chapters

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