I.

Introduction

Moscow (Russian, Moskva), capital, inland port, and largest city of Russia, capital of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) until 1991. It is also the capital of Moscow Oblast, and is located on the Moskva River. Moscow is the traditional Holy Mother of the Russians and the economic, political, and cultural centre of Russia. Railways and numerous airlines converge on the city from all parts of Russia and the other successor states of the USSR. Navigable waterways, including the Moscow Canal, Moskva River, and Volga-Don Canal, make the port areas of the city directly accessible to shipping from the Baltic, White, Black, and Caspian seas and the Sea of Azov. Population 10,101,500 (2002).