Moscow

Moscow (Russian: Moshva; pop. 8,801,000), capital of the Russian Federation and capital of the former USSR, on both banks of the Moskva River. It is Russia's largest city, and its political, cultural, commercial, industrial, and communications center. Some leading industries are chemicals, textiles, wood products, and a wide range of heavy machinery, including aircraft and automobiles. Moscow became the capital of all Russia under Ivan IV in the 16th century. Superseded by St. Petersburg (now Leningrad) in 1713, it regained its former status in 1918, following the Russian Revolution. At the city's heart is the Kremlin, location of government headquarters and a palace housing architectural relics of tsarist Russia. Red Square, the site of parades and celebrations, along with the Lenin Mausoleum and St. Basil's Cathedral, is nearby. Among outstanding cultural and educational institutions are the Bolshoi Theater, the Moscow Art Theater, the Maly Theater, Moscow University, the Academy of Sciences, the Tchaikovsky Conservatory, and the Lenin State Library.