e area of any lake in the world, about 371,020 sq km (about 143,550 sq mi). The second largest body of water in Russia is Lake Baikal, which is the deepest freshwater lake in the world, with a maximum depth of 1637 m (5371 ft).
             Russia's climate is generally harsh, with long, cold winters and short, cool summers. The coldest winter temperatures occur in eastern Siberia; in January, temperatures there average -51° C (-59° F) and have reached -68° C (-90° F). Most of European Russia has a more temperate climate.
             Natural vegetation and soils correspond with the country's distinct climate zones. Permafrost, or permanently frozen subsoil, is found throughout the northern region, providing limited sustenance to plants. Forests cover more than two-fifths of Russia, accounting for nearly one-fourth of the world's forest area. The boreal forest, or taiga, in the north contains the world's largest coniferous forest, representing about one-half of the earth's softwood timber. The lowland areas have a natural vegetation of grasslands with scattered groves of trees. Animal life is abundant and varied throughout many parts of Russia. Polar bears, seals, walruses, and reindeer live along the Arctic coast and the northern Pacific coast, and on the offshore islands. The southeastern forests are known for large Ussuri tigers, leopards, and bears.
             Russia contains the greatest mineral reserves of any country in the world. It is especially rich in mineral fuels, including petroleum and natural gas. Other important resources include iron ore, nickel, tungsten, cobalt, and molybdenum. The country also has some of the world's largest gold reserves and significant deposits of copper, silver, and mercury.
             The population of Russia is 149,740,000 (1995 estimate). The majority of the people live in European Russia, but sizable communities exist throughout the country near mining and industrial centers. People of more than 100 nationalities inhabit the co...