Russia, the largest country in the world in terms of area, stretches across Europe and Asia and from the Pacific to the Atlantic. Its contrasting landscape ranges from tundra and forest areas to subtropical beaches. The country is known for the ballet companies Bolshoi in Moscow and Mariinsky in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg, founded by Russian Tsar Peter the Great, is home to the baroque Winter Palace, which now houses part of the Hermitage's art collection. ― Google