Question

Which of the following most accurately describes Russia?

1. It has many long coastlines but few good harbors and ports
2. It has many useful rivers but it’s coastlines are short
3. It has many long coastlines that make overseas trade easy
4. It has a long arctic coastline but is landlocked on the east and west

Answer 1

1. Russia has thousands of miles of coastline, but good harbors for ports are another deal. Much of the coastline is north of the Artic Circle making trade and use of the ports near impossible. Russia has had to fight and negotiate to gain and or keep access to more southerly ports such as Vladivostock on the Pacific and Kaliningrad on the Baltic Sea. Even ports and areas such as the Crimean Penninsula are important for trade access to the Mediterranean and out to the Atlantic.