Moscow is the capital and largest city of The Russian Federation, and the largest city in Europe, with its metropolitan area also ranking among the largest urban areas in the world. Moscow is the country's political, economic, religious, financial, educational and transportation centre. It is located on the Moskva River in the Central Federal District, in the European part of Russia. Historically, it was the capital of the former Soviet Union and the Grand Duchy of Moscow, the pre-Imperial Russian state. It is the site of the Moscow Kremlin, which serves as the ceremonial residence of the President of Russia.
Moscow is a major economic centre and is the world's billionaire capital, home to the largest number of billionaires in the world; in 2007 Moscow was named the world's most expensive city for the second year in a row. It is home to many scientific and educational institutions, as well as numerous sport facilities. It possesses a complex transport system that includes the world’s busiest and most ornate metro system, in 2008 Moscow was named for the third year in a row as one of the most expensive cities in the world for foreign employees to live. However it has just moved to third place after Tokyo.
Moscow is home of the Red Square the most famous city square in Russia, and arguably one of the most famous in the world. The square separates the Kremlin, the former royal citadel and currently the official residence of the President of Russia, Red Square is often considered the central square of Moscow and of all Russia. Moscows Red Square is also now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
