MOSCOW - the capital of Russian Federation

Moscow - city of federal subordination, constituent entity of Russian Federation.

Moscow possesses its own territory, population, governmental and local authorities, legislation, emblem, flag and anthem.

Coordinates - 55°45' of north latitude and 37°37' of east longitude counting from Greenwich meridian

Territory of the city is 1081 sq. kms.

Population of Moscow - 10.425 mln.

Moscow's local time is Greenwich Mean Time plus 3, the summer time (+1) is active in Moscow from March to October.

Mayor of Moscow: Juri Luzhkov.

Rivers: there are 116 rivers and streams in Moscow, 42 of which flow though open channels, and the rest are enclosed, partly or in whole, into collecting pipes. The largest rivers are the Moskva, that has 502 kms of total length, 80 of which flow within Moscow city, and the Yauza, the largest tribute of the Moskva at the city's territory, having total length of 48 kms.

Climate: moderate. The average temperature in July and August is 20-25 °C; in December and January - 10-20 °C (below zero). The humidity is moderate and, sometimes, high. The Moscow's winter are, as a rule, cold and snowy.

Officially, the Moscow's Ring Road (MKAD) of 109 km-length is considered the border of the Russian capital. But new city districts (Mitino, Butovo, etc.) emerge beyond the Ring Road.

There are over 10 rivers in Moscow and Moscow Region. The Moskva-River is the biggest one.

The relief of Moscow's territory is a rather complicated one. The highest points of Moscow's territory are there at the South-West, 250 meters above the sea level and 130 meters above the Moskva-River.

Administratively, Moscow is segmented into 10 administration districts. The names of districts comply with their location: Central, West, North-West, etc. The districts are, then, segmented into city wards, there are 123 of them in Moscow. The Moscow's City Duma is the main legislative body. The executive power is exercised by the Moscow's Mayor, the prefects and the sub-prefects. The municipal authorities are elected by the citizens of Moscow (vote by secret ballot).