Russia is the largest country in the world, both in terms of land area and population. It covers an area of 17, 098, 242 square kilometers and has a population of over 144 million people. Russia is located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia and is bordered by 14 countries. It is the world's ninth-most populous country and the most populous country in Europe. Russia is a transcontinental country, with its population spread across 11 time zones. It is a major political, economic, cultural, and military power, and is one of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.