Russians refer to the people, culture, and language of Russia, the largest country in the world, located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. The term "Russians" typically pertains to the ethnic group native to Russia, but it can also include individuals of Russian descent who live in other countries around the world.
As an ethnic group, Russians are predominantly Slavic, although there are various other ethnicities living within the Russian Federation. They are identified by their common language, which is Russian, as well as their shared heritage, cultural traditions, and historical background. The Russian language is one of the most widely spoken languages globally and belongs to the Indo-European language family, specifically the East Slavic subgroup.
Russians have a long and rich history dating back to the establishment of the Kievan Rus in the Middle Ages. Over time, they have contributed significantly to various fields such as literature, music, science, and art. Russian literature, for example, boasts renowned writers like Leo Tolstoy, Fyodor Dostoevsky, and Anton Chekhov, whose works have achieved worldwide acclaim.
In terms of demographics, Russians constitute the majority population in Russia, accounting for the largest ethnic group. However, due to historical and contemporary migrations, Russian communities can be found in many other countries. The Russian diaspora has had a significant influence on the cultures and societies of these nations, particularly in regions neighboring Russia, such as Ukraine, Belarus, and the Baltic States, among others.
