The Former Soviet Union, spanning Eastern Europe and Northern Asia, was a geopolitical giant comprising 15 republics. From the Baltic Sea in the west to the Pacific Ocean in the east, its vast landscape encompassed diverse cultures, climates, and terrains, including tundras, steppes, and mountains, shaping a pivotal region in 20th-century geopolitics.
Overview of the Former Soviet Union
The Former Soviet Union, also known as the USSR, stands for Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. It was a federation of 15 independent republics which existed from 1922 until 1991.
Most of the republics were in Eastern Europe, extending into central and northern Asia.
Where is the Former Soviet Union on the map?
The Former Soviet Union was situated in Eurasia; the larger part in Asia and a smaller part in Eastern Europe.
Its farthest point from west to east spanned almost 9,000 miles (14,500 kilometers).
From north to south, it covered over 2,800 miles (4,500 kilometers).
Republics of the Former Soviet Union
The Former Soviet Union included 15 republics in total.
These were: Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Estonia, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.
What were the geographical features of the Former Soviet Union?
It was the largest country on earth, taking up one-sixth of the world's landmass.
This vast space hosted a wide variety of landscapes and climates.
From Siberia's frozen tundra in the north to the sunny beaches of the Black Sea coast in the south.
Climate of the Former Soviet Union
The Former Soviet Union's climate varied greatly from subtropical and desert climate in the south to an arctic climate in the north.
At its southernmost point, the climate was desert-like.
At its northernmost point, it was cold enough to be called arctic.
FAQs
When was the Soviet Union formed and dissolved?
The Soviet Union was formed in 1922 and officially dissolved on December 26, 1991.
Which was the largest republic in the Soviet Union?
The Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic, now known as Russia, was the largest and most populated republic in the USSR.
What are the 15 republics of the former Soviet Union now?
Today, all 15 republics of the former Soviet Union are independent countries.
What was the climate like in the Soviet Union?
The climate in the Soviet Union varied greatly from subtropical and desert in the south to an arctic climate in the northernmost regions.
