Moscow, the capital and largest city of Russia, is situated on the Moskva River in Central Russia. Its population is estimated at over 13 million within city limits, exceeding 18.8 million in its urban area, and over 21.5 million in its metropolitan area. Covering an area of 2,511 square kilometers, Moscow's urban area spans 5,891 square kilometers, while its metropolitan area stretches over 26,000 square kilometers. It is one of the world's largest cities, holding the titles of most populous city in Europe, largest urban and metropolitan area in Europe, and largest city by land area on the European continent.
1902: Construction of Savyolovsky Rail Terminal
The suburban Savyolovsky Rail Terminal was constructed in 1902, expanding Moscow's transportation network.
1903: Construction of Moscow Ring Railway
In 1903, the Moskovskaya Okruzhnaya Zheleznaya Doroga, a ring railway around what is now downtown Moscow, was constructed. However, it initially served as a non-electrified railway primarily used for freight and only using fueled locomotives.
1903: Completion of Moskvoretskaya Water Supply
In 1903, the Moskvoretskaya water supply system was completed, improving the city's infrastructure.
January 1905: Establishment of the Moscow Mayoralty
The institution of the City Governor, or Mayor, was officially introduced in Moscow in January 1905, with Alexander Adrianov becoming the city's first official mayor.
1906: Founding of the Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University
The Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, formerly known as Russian State Medical University, was founded in 1906 in Moscow, Russia. It was the first university in Russia to grant degrees to women.
1913: Voyentorg Department Store Construction
The Voyentorg department store, a significant historical building, was built in 1913.
1915: Moscow's Population Reaches 1.8 Million
Despite losing its status as the capital, Moscow's population experienced significant growth after 1750, reaching 1.8 million by 1915.
November 1917: Bolshevik Uprising in Moscow
Following the uprising in Petrograd, Moscow's Bolsheviks initiated their own uprising in November 1917, leading to the establishment of Soviet power in the city.
1917: Pre-Revolution Churches in Moscow
Prior to 1917, Moscow was known as the "city of 40 times 40 churches," highlighting the prevalence of churches in the city's landscape before the Russian Revolution.
March 12, 1918: Capital Moved Back to Moscow
Due to concerns about foreign invasion, Vladimir Lenin moved the capital from Petrograd back to Moscow on March 12, 1918. The Kremlin was reinstated as the center of power.
1918: Capital Moved Back to Moscow
Following the Russian Revolution and the establishment of the Russian SFSR in 1918, Moscow was reinstated as the capital city, later becoming the political center of the Soviet Union.
1919: Start of Shukhov Tower Construction
The construction of the Shukhov Tower in Moscow began in 1919, marking the start of a project that would showcase the innovative hyperboloid structures designed by Vladimir Shukhov.
1919: Establishment of the Gerasimov All-Russian State Institute of Cinematography
Vladimir Gardin established the Gerasimov All-Russian State Institute of Cinematography (VGIK), the world's oldest film school, in 1919.
1920: Bauman Garden Founded
Bauman Garden was officially founded in 1920 on the site of the former Golitsyn estate and eighteenth-century public garden.
1922: Bauman Garden Renamed
In 1922, Bauman Garden was renamed after the Bolshevik Nikolay Bauman.
1922: Completion of Shukhov Tower
The Shukhov Tower in Moscow was completed in 1922, serving as a transmission tower for a Russian broadcasting company and showcasing the innovative structural designs of Vladimir Shukhov.
1928: Gorky Park Founded
Gorky Park, officially known as the Central Park of Culture and Rest named after Maxim Gorky, was founded in 1928.
1929: Anti-Religious Campaign Launched
A new anti-religious campaign, coinciding with the collectivization of peasants, was launched in 1929.
1930: Moskva Hotel Construction
The Moskva hotel, a landmark historical building, was constructed in 1930.
1931: Izmaylovsky Park Established
In 1931, Izmaylovsky Park was created, becoming one of the largest urban parks globally.
1932: Peak of Church Destruction
The destruction of churches in cities reached its peak around 1932 during the anti-religious campaign.
November 15, 1933: Inauguration of the Moscow trolleybus system
The Moscow trolleybus system, the world's sixth oldest, began operations on November 15, 1933.
1933: British engineers arrested during Moscow Metro construction
In 1933, Soviet secret police arrested several British engineers involved in the Moscow Metro's construction, accusing them of espionage and ending British involvement in the project.
1935: Construction of Moscow's Greenbelt
In 1935, Moscow's greenbelt was built, showcasing a commitment to controlled and sustainable metropolitan development during the Soviet era.
1935: Opening of the Moscow Metro
The Moscow Metro, known for its art and architecture, began operating in 1935 and quickly became a vital part of the city's transportation system.
1936: Stalin Bans Renaming Places in His Honor
In 1936, Stalin issued a ban on renaming places after himself.
1937: Construction of North River Terminal
In 1937, the North River Terminal in Moscow was constructed. Serving as the primary hub for long-range river routes, this terminal became an important transportation and recreational facility for the city, offering connections to various destinations along the Moskva and Oka rivers.
1937: Proposal to Rename Moscow Rejected
Suggestions to rename Moscow to "Stalindar" or "Stalinodar" were made in 1937 but were rejected by Stalin.
January 1940: Record Low Temperature in Moscow
The lowest temperature ever recorded in Moscow was −42.1 °C (−43.8 °F) in January 1940, highlighting the city's experience of extreme cold during winter months.
September 30, 1941: Start of the Battle of Moscow
The Battle of Moscow, a significant clash between German and Soviet forces, began on September 30, 1941.
October 1941: German Advance on Moscow
The German Army Group Centre advanced towards Moscow in October 1941, leading to the city's declaration of a state of siege.
January 7, 1942: End of the Battle of Moscow
The Battle of Moscow concluded on January 7, 1942, resulting in heavy casualties for both sides.
January 1942: German Forces Repelled from Moscow
The German Army Group Centre was halted and driven back from the outskirts of Moscow in January 1942.
May 1, 1944: Medal "For the Defence of Moscow" Instituted
On May 1, 1944, the medal "For the Defence of Moscow" was instituted to commemorate the city's resistance during World War II.
1944: Founding of the Moscow State Institute of International Relations
The Moscow State Institute of International Relations, founded in 1944, is Russia's most prestigious school of international relations and diplomacy.
1945: Tsytsin Main Botanical Garden Founded
The Tsytsin Main Botanical Garden of the Academy of Sciences, the largest in Europe, was founded in 1945.
1947: Medal "In Memory of the 800th Anniversary of Moscow" Instituted
In 1947, the medal "In Memory of the 800th Anniversary of Moscow" was instituted.
1953: Relocation of Moscow State University
Moscow State University relocated to its new campus on Sparrow Hills in 1953.
1953: EuroBasket Hosted in Moscow
Moscow hosted the EuroBasket tournament in 1953.
1958: Lilac Park Founded
Lilac Park, featuring a permanent sculpture display and a large rosarium, was founded in 1958.
1958: Construction of Zelenograd
The city of Zelenograd was built in 1958 as one of Moscow's administrative okrugs, located 37 kilometers northwest of the city center.
1959: Nikita Khrushchev's Anti-Religious Campaign
Nikita Khrushchev initiated an anti-religious campaign in 1959, resulting in the closure and demolition of numerous churches.
1960: Moscow Ring Road Becomes City Boundary
The Moscow Ring Road (MKAD) became the official boundary of the city in 1960.
1961: Opening of Moscow Ring Road
The Moscow Ring Road (MKAD), a 109-kilometer, four-lane highway encircling the city, was officially opened in 1961, demarcating Moscow's administrative boundaries.
1964: Widespread Church Closures and Demolitions
By 1964, over 10,000 churches, primarily in rural areas, had been shut down, and many were demolished as part of Khrushchev's anti-religious campaign.
May 8, 1965: Moscow Awarded Title of Hero City
Moscow received the title of "Hero City" on May 8, 1965, in recognition of its resilience and sacrifices during World War II.
1965: EuroBasket Hosted in Moscow
Moscow hosted the EuroBasket tournament in 1965.
1967: Ostankino Tower Completed
In 1967, the Ostankino Tower was completed in Moscow, becoming the tallest free-standing land structure in the world at the time.
1979: Soviet Union's Involvement in Afghanistan
The Soviet Union's military intervention in Afghanistan in late 1979 sparked international controversy and led to boycotts of the 1980 Moscow Olympics.
1979: Revival of grand designs in Moscow Metro stations
The tradition of grand designs and thematic installations in Moscow Metro stations was revived in late 1979, continuing the practice of treating stations as art canvases for the public.
1980: Infrastructure Development for Summer Olympics
Extensive sports facilities and Sheremetyevo Terminal 2 were constructed in preparation for the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow.
1980: Moscow Hosts Summer Olympics
In 1980, Moscow hosted the Summer Olympics, which faced boycotts from the United States and other Western countries due to the Soviet Union's involvement in Afghanistan.
1980: Moscow Hosts Summer Olympics
Moscow hosted the 1980 Summer Olympics, which were marred by boycotts from Western nations due to the Soviet Union's actions in Afghanistan.
1980: Summer Olympics Hosted in Moscow
Moscow hosted the 1980 Summer Olympics.
1984: Last Tram Line Built
The last new tram line in Moscow was built in 1984. Despite its extensive network, the tram system's usage is relatively low, accounting for only around 5% of trips, as many important connections have been removed over time.
1988: Establishment of the Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery Complex
Russian eye surgeon Svyatoslav Fyodorov founded the Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery Complex in 1988.
December 25, 1991: Dissolution of the USSR
On December 25, 1991, the USSR dissolved, and Moscow became the capital of the Russian SFSR, which was later renamed the Russian Federation. This marked the beginning of a market economy in Moscow, leading to the rise of Western-style businesses, architecture, and lifestyles.
1991: Start of Average July Temperature Recording
From 1991 to 2020, the average July temperature in Moscow was 19.7 °C (67.5 °F), marking a period of data collection for understanding temperature trends.
1991: Coup Attempt in Moscow
Moscow was the epicenter of a coup attempt orchestrated by conservative communists who opposed Mikhail Gorbachev's liberal reforms in 1991.
1991: End of Soviet-Era Urban-Growth Controls
Soviet-era urban-growth controls ended in 1991, leading to a shift from controlled metropolitan development to a dramatic increase in low-density suburban sprawl. This was driven by a high demand for single-family homes, contrasting with crowded apartment living.
1992: Planning of Moscow International Business Center
In 1992, the Moscow government initiated plans for the Moscow International Business Center (MIBC), envisioning a new central district that would integrate business, residential, and entertainment functions. This project aimed to create a unique zone in Russia and Eastern Europe, fostering economic growth and urban development. The MIBC's construction was planned for the Presnensky District, situated on the Third Ring Road and along the Krasnopresnenskaya embankment, covering an area of one square kilometer.
1995: Widening of the MKAD Ring Road
From 1995 to 1997, the MKAD ring road, a major highway encircling Moscow, was widened from four to ten lanes to accommodate increasing traffic.
1997: Completion of MKAD Ring Road Widening
The widening of the MKAD ring road to ten lanes was completed in 1997, reflecting the growing need for improved transportation infrastructure to manage Moscow's expanding urban landscape.
1998: Russian Financial Crisis Impacts Moscow's Business Sectors
The 1998 Russian financial crisis significantly impacted business sectors in Moscow. However, since then, these sectors have demonstrated remarkable recovery and growth.
1998: UEFA Cup Final Hosted at Luzhniki Stadium
Luzhniki Stadium hosted the 1998-99 UEFA Cup Final.
2001: Extreme Heat in Moscow
Moscow experienced extreme heat during the summer of 2001, reflecting a trend of hot summer seasons in the city and southern parts of Central Russia.
December 2002: Opening of Bulvar Dmitriya Donskogo Metro Station
In December 2002, Bulvar Dmitriya Donskogo became the first Moscow Metro station to open beyond the MKAD ring road, marking a significant expansion of the city's public transportation network.
2002: Extreme Heat in Moscow
The summer of 2002 saw another instance of extreme heat in Moscow, contributing to a pattern of hot summer seasons in the city.
2003: Establishment of Municipal Self-Government
In 2003, the law "On the organization of local self-government in the city of Moscow" came into effect. This law established municipalities as executive bodies of local self-government, with municipal assemblies serving as representative bodies, whose members are elected according to the Charter of the intracity municipality.
2003: Extreme Heat in Moscow
Moscow experienced extreme heat again during the summer of 2003, further solidifying the trend of hot summer seasons in the city.
2003: Moscow International Performance Arts Center Opened
The Moscow International Performance Arts Center, also known as Moscow International House of Music, renowned for its classical music performances, opened in 2003.
2003: Completion of Park Pobedy Metro station
The Park Pobedy Metro station, completed in 2003, is one of the world's deepest and has the longest escalators in Europe.
2004: Opening of the Moscow Monorail line
The Moscow Metro's short monorail line, Line 13, opened in 2004, connecting Timiryazevskaya metro station to Ulitsa Sergeya Eisensteina, with a stop near VDNH.
2004: Completion of the Third Ring Road
The Third Ring Road, situated between the historic Garden Ring and the Soviet-era outer ring road, was finished in 2004. This new ring road aimed to alleviate traffic congestion in Moscow's increasingly interconnected urban and suburban areas.
2004: Start of Average Sunshine Hours Recording
Between 2004 and 2010, Moscow averaged between 1800 and 2000 hours of sunshine annually, with a tendency for more sunshine in the summer months. This period marked a significant data collection effort for understanding sunshine trends in the city.
2004: Heating System Reform in Moscow
A significant reform of Moscow's heating system was initiated in 2004. This reform led to the consolidation of various heating companies under the Moscow Integrated Power Company (MIPC), making it the primary municipal heat supplier. This move transformed the city's heating landscape and streamlined operations under a unified entity.
July 6, 2005: Moscow Eliminated from 2012 Olympics Bid
On July 6, 2005, Moscow was eliminated from contention in the first round of voting for the 2012 Summer Olympics, which were ultimately awarded to London.
2005: Over 500 Olympic Champions Residing in Moscow
By 2005, over 500 Olympic sports champions resided in Moscow.
2005: Mosenergo Power Station Reform
In 2005, a reform of the Mosenergo power station, Moscow's primary heating source, led to the separation of approximately ten subsidiaries. This restructuring resulted in the establishment of new independent companies, including the District Heating Network Company (MTK).
2005: Completion of the Third Automobile Ring
Moscow's Third Automobile Ring road, a significant addition to the city's transportation infrastructure, was completed in 2005.
2005: Opening of Delovoi Tsentr Station
The Delovoi Tsentr station, part of the Filyovskaya Line of the Moscow Metro, opened in 2005 to serve the growing Moscow International Business Center (MIBC). This station was later renamed Vystavochnaya in 2009.
2006: Moscow Ranked Most Expensive City for Expatriates
In 2006, Mercer Human Resources Consulting declared Moscow the world's most expensive city for expatriate employees, surpassing Tokyo, which had held the title for a long time. This was attributed to the strong Russian ruble and escalating housing costs within the city.
2006: Extreme Cold in Moscow
In 2006, Moscow experienced extreme cold during late January and early February, with frosts reaching −30.0 °C (−22.0 °F) for a few nights, illustrating the city's susceptibility to cold weather extremes.
2006: Changes to Moscow's Charter and Mayoral Elections
In 2006, the Charter of the city of Moscow was amended, leading to the suspension of direct mayoral elections. Instead, the mayor was to be appointed by presidential decree.
2006: Opening of Mezhdunarodnaya Station
In 2006, the Mezhdunarodnaya station on the Filyovskaya Line of the Moscow Metro opened, extending the line further into the Moscow International Business Center (MIBC) area.
2007: Government Acquires Controlling Stake in MTK
The Moscow government acquired controlling stakes in the District Heating Network Company (MTK) in 2007, further consolidating its influence over the city's heating infrastructure.
2007: Start of Record High and Average Temperatures
From 2007 to 2022, Moscow recorded record high and average temperatures for several months, including January, March, April, May, June, July, August, November, and December. These rising temperatures have been cited as evidence of global warming's effects.
2007: Moscow Remains Most Expensive City for Expatriates
Moscow maintained its position as the most expensive city globally for expatriates for the second consecutive year in 2007, according to Mercer's survey.
2007: UEFA Champions League Final Hosted at Luzhniki Stadium
Luzhniki Stadium hosted the 2007-08 UEFA Champions League Final.
2008: Moscow Ranked Most Expensive City for Expatriates
For the third consecutive year, Moscow was ranked the most expensive city in the world for expatriates in 2008.
2008: Constitutional Court Relocates to Saint Petersburg
In 2008, the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation relocated from Moscow to Saint Petersburg. As a result, Moscow, despite being the capital and home to most federal authorities, no longer houses the Constitutional Court.
2008: Moscow Loses Top Spot in Expat Cost of Living Ranking
While Moscow topped the list of most expensive cities for expatriates for the third consecutive year in 2008, Tokyo reclaimed the top spot from Moscow, pushing it to third place, with Osaka ranking second.
2009: Renaming of Delovoi Tsentr Station
The Delovoi Tsentr station on the Filyovskaya Line of the Moscow Metro was renamed Vystavochnaya in 2009.
July 29, 2010: Record High Temperature in Moscow
Moscow experienced its highest ever recorded temperature on July 29, 2010, reaching 38.2 °C (100.8 °F) at the VVC weather station and 39.0 °C (102.2 °F) in the city center and Domodedovo airport, during the 2010 Northern Hemisphere summer heat waves.
2010: End of Average Sunshine Hours Recording
The period between 2004 and 2010 marked a significant phase of recording average sunshine hours in Moscow, revealing patterns of sunshine variation throughout the year.
2010: Extreme Heat in Moscow
The summer of 2010 brought another wave of extreme heat to Moscow, adding to the growing pattern of hot summer seasons in the city and southern parts of Central Russia.
2010: Estimated Muslim Population in Moscow
In 2010, the Moscow Mufti Council estimated that Muslims made up around 1.5 million of the city's 10.5 million population, underscoring the presence of a significant Muslim community in Moscow.
2010: 2010 Russian Census
The 2010 Russian census recorded Moscow's population at 11,503,501, providing a benchmark for understanding the city's population growth over time.
2010: Bandy World Championship Hosted in Krylatskoye
Moscow hosted the Bandy World Championship in 2010 at the Krylatskoye arena.
2010: Reconstruction of Moscow Ring Railway
In the 2010s, the Moskovskaya Okruzhnaya Zheleznaya Doroga, the Moscow Ring Railway, underwent a significant reconstruction and modernization project, transforming it into the Moscow Central Circle (MCC). This project involved electrifying the line and implementing modern passenger train services, integrating it into the Moscow Metro system.
2011: Critique of Moscow's public school system
In 2011, Clifford J. Levy of The New York Times criticized Moscow's public school system, citing corruption and bribery as major problems.
2011: RC Lokomotiv Joins Professional Rugby League
In 2011, former rugby league powerhouse RC Lokomotiv joined the Russian Professional Rugby League, where they competed alongside other teams like Slava Moscow.
2011: "Our city" geo-information portal launched
In 2011, the "Our city" geo-information portal was created under Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin to establish a dialogue between Moscow residents and the city's executive authorities.
2011: Extreme Heat in Moscow
Moscow continued to experience extreme heat during the summer of 2011, further reinforcing the trend of hot summer seasons.
July 1, 2012: Territorial Expansion of Moscow
On July 1, 2012, Moscow underwent a major territorial expansion, incorporating areas southwest into the Moscow Oblast. This more than doubled the city's area, making it the largest city in Europe by area. The annexed territory was officially named "Novaya Moskva" (New Moscow), adding 233,000 people to the city's population.
2012: Extreme Cold in Moscow
Moscow faced extreme cold again in late January and early February of 2012, with frosts reaching −30.0 °C (−22.0 °F) on several nights, highlighting the city's vulnerability to cold weather extremes.
2012: Moscow Bids for Summer Olympics
Moscow submitted a bid to host the 2012 Summer Olympics.
September 2013: First Direct Mayoral Election Since 2003
Following the resignation of the incumbent mayor, Moscow held its first direct mayoral election in September 2013, marking the end of a period where the mayor was appointed by presidential decree due to changes in the city's charter in 2006.
2013: Luzhniki Stadium Hosts Rugby World Cup Sevens
The Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow held the 2013 Rugby World Cup Sevens.
2013: Extreme Cold in Moscow
The late January and early February period of 2013 saw Moscow experience extreme cold again, with frosts reaching −30.0 °C (−22.0 °F) for a few nights, showcasing the city's susceptibility to cold weather extremes.
July 2014: Record Sunshine Hours in Moscow
In July 2014, Moscow experienced a record 411 hours of sunshine, representing 79% of possible sunshine for the month and highlighting variations in sunshine due to convective cloud formation.
2014: Dismantling of the Moscow trolleybus system
Moscow authorities, led by Sergey Sobyanin, initiated the dismantling of the trolleybus system in 2014, planning to replace trolleybuses with electric buses.
2014: All-Russian Exhibition Center Renamed and Renovated
In 2014, the park formerly known as the All-Union Agricultural Exhibition (VSKhV) and later Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy (VDNKh), returned to the name Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy and underwent significant renovation works.
2014: Moscow Ranked 9th Most Expensive City by Forbes
In 2014, Forbes ranked Moscow as the 9th most expensive city globally. This followed a previous ranking where Moscow held the 2nd position in the same list.
2014: Naming of Undorosaurus trautscholdi
In 2014, an ichthyosaur discovered in Moscow in 1878 was named Undorosaurus trautscholdi, after its discoverer, paleontologist Hermann Trautschold. The discovery sheds light on the Tithonian age of the Jurassic period in the region.
2015: Rise of Ride-Hailing Services
By 2015, ride-hailing platforms like Yandex.Taxi, Uber, and Gett had become dominant in Moscow's taxi market, serving over half of all taxi orders and displacing many traditional taxi drivers and small providers.
2015: Planned Resumption of Direct Mayoral Elections
Direct mayoral elections were initially planned to resume in 2015 after the expiration of the current mayor's term. However, the incumbent's resignation led to the elections taking place earlier in September 2013.
September 10, 2016: Passenger Service on Little Ring Railway
On September 10, 2016, the Little Ring of the Moscow Railway began operating a frequent passenger service. The line was fully integrated with the Moscow Metro, providing a new transportation option for the city.
2016: Launch of a new circle metro railway in Moscow
In 2016, Moscow authorities opened a new circle metro railway to address the city's transportation challenges and congestion on the Koltsevaya Line.
2016: Removal of trolleybus wires in central Moscow
Most trolleybus wires within the Garden Ring (Sadovoe Koltso) were removed in 2016-2017 during the reconstruction of central streets ("Moya Ulitsa").
2016: Completion of Federation Tower
The Federation Tower, Europe's second-tallest building, was completed in 2016 as part of the ongoing Moscow International Business Center (MIBC) development. This marked a significant milestone in the project, further solidifying the MIBC's status as a modern business and entertainment hub.
December 2017: Darkest Month on Record in Moscow
December 2017 was the darkest month in Moscow since records began, with only six minutes of sunlight, illustrating the impact of moist air condensation on overcast conditions during winter.
2017: Removal of trolleybus wires in central Moscow
Most trolleybus wires within the Garden Ring (Sadovoe Koltso) were removed in 2016-2017 during the reconstruction of central streets ("Moya Ulitsa").
2017: Discovery of New Ichnospecies Skolithos gorodnensis
In 2017, fossils of the bivalve mollusk Inoceramus kleinii and tubular passages of burrowing animals were discovered in the Coniacian deposits near the Bolshaya Glinka River in Moscow. These passages were described as a new ichnospecies named Skolithos gorodnensis, adding to the understanding of paleontological history in the region.
2017: Construction Begins on Gymnastics Palace
Construction began on the Irina Viner-Usmanova Gymnastics Palace in the Luzniki Olympic Complex in 2017.
November 26, 2018: Cable Car Opening
On November 26, 2018, a new cable car system was opened in Moscow, connecting the Luzhniki sports complex with Sparrow Hills and Kosygin Street. The opening ceremony was attended by Moscow mayor Sergey Sobyanin.
2018: Reduction of the Moscow trolleybus system
By 2018, the Moscow trolleybus system had been significantly reduced to only four depots and a few dozen kilometers of operational wires.
2018: Electric Bus Expansion
In 2018, Moscow began a major expansion of its electric bus fleet, awarding a tender to Kamaz and GAZ for 200 electric buses and 62 charging stations. This marked the start of a transition to an all-electric bus fleet by 2021, aiming to make Moscow a leader in electric public transport.
2018: Expansion of Vehicle Sharing
In 2018, Moscow's car-sharing system became the largest in Europe by fleet size. The city's mayor, Sergey Sobyanin, highlighted the program's success, with around 25,000 daily users. By the end of the year, Moscow's car-sharing system had grown to become the second largest globally, boasting a fleet of 16,500 vehicles. This growth was part of a broader expansion of vehicle-sharing options in Moscow, including bike-sharing with 3,000 bicycles (Velobike) and electric scooter-sharing (Delisamokat), supported by the local government.
2018: Luzhniki Stadium Expansion for FIFA World Cup
In preparation for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow underwent a significant expansion, adding nearly 10,000 seats. Additionally, two new stadiums, the Dynamo Stadium and the Spartak Stadium, were constructed in Moscow, although the Dynamo Stadium was later excluded from hosting World Cup matches.
2018: FIFA World Cup Hosted in Moscow
Moscow hosted the 2018 FIFA World Cup, including the final match.
2018: Moscow Co-hosts FIFA World Cup
Moscow was one of the host cities for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
June 18, 2019: Opening of Irina Viner-Usmanova Gymnastics Palace
The Irina Viner-Usmanova Gymnastics Palace, located in the Luzniki Olympic Complex, officially opened on June 18, 2019. The palace, funded by billionaire Alisher Usmanov, boasts a surface area of 23,500 square meters and houses state-of-the-art facilities, including fitness rooms, locker rooms, specialized rooms for referees and coaches, saunas, dining areas, ball halls, a medical center, a press room, and athlete accommodations.
November 21, 2019: Launch of First Two Metro Lines
On November 21, 2019, Moscow launched the first two lines of a projected five-line metro expansion project, marking a significant advancement in the city's public transportation infrastructure.
2019: Projected Leadership in Electric Public Transport
By 2019, Moscow was projected to become a leader among European cities in terms of the share of electric and gas-fueled vehicles in its public transport system.
2019: Moscow Ranked 102nd in Cost of Living Survey
The Economist Intelligence Unit's Worldwide Cost of Living survey in 2019 placed Moscow in 102nd place out of 133 cities analyzed. Similarly, ECA International's Cost of Living 2019 Survey ranked Moscow 120th out of 482 locations worldwide.
2019: Moscow Metro modernization under Mayor Sobyanin
Mayor Sergei Sobyanin introduced modern amenities to the Moscow Metro, including WiFi, USB ports, and Apple Pay, while also overseeing a rapid expansion of new stations. The metro handled 2.6 billion passengers in 2019.
February 29, 2020: Dream Island Amusement Park Opens
On February 29, 2020, Europe's largest indoor theme park, Dream Island, opened its doors to the public in Moscow. The park spans an impressive 300,000 square meters and showcases a fairytale castle-like design. Its 29 unique attractions include a variety of rides, pedestrian areas with fountains, cycle paths, a landscaped park, concert hall, cinema, hotel, children's sailing school, restaurants, and shops.
September 2020: Expansion of Wi-Fi access points in Moscow
Between September 2020 and August 2021, 1,700 new Wi-Fi access points were installed throughout Moscow, including student dorms, parks, cultural institutions, and within the Garden Ring and Third Transport Ring.
2020: End of Average July Temperature Recording
2020 marked the end of a period of recording average July temperatures in Moscow, which began in 1991.
March 5, 2021: Pilot 5G Network Launch
On March 5, 2021, MTS, a mobile phone service provider, launched Russia's first pilot 5G network in Moscow. The network included 14 hotspots strategically placed at popular tourist destinations such as Lubyanka Square, Moscow City, and the VDNKh exhibition center.
August 2021: Expansion of Wi-Fi access points in Moscow
Between September 2020 and August 2021, 1,700 new Wi-Fi access points were installed throughout Moscow, including student dorms, parks, cultural institutions, and within the Garden Ring and Third Transport Ring.
2021: Transition to All-Electric Bus Fleet
In 2021, Moscow completed its transition to an all-electric bus fleet, replacing all diesel buses with electric alternatives.
2021: Moscow's Gross Regional Product Reaches ₽24.5 Trillion
In 2021, Moscow's Gross Regional Product (GRP) reached almost ₽24.5 trillion (approximately US$332 billion), solidifying its position as a major economic powerhouse. In comparison, the Moscow Region's GRP was ₽31.3 trillion (about US$425 billion).
2021: Life Expectancy in Moscow
In 2021, the total life expectancy in Moscow was 74.55 years, with 71.00 years for males and 77.94 years for females. This data reflects the overall health and longevity of Moscow's population.
2021: 2021 Russian Census
The 2021 Russian census reported Moscow's population as 13,010,112, an increase from the 11,503,501 recorded in the 2010 census, reflecting the city's continuous population growth.
2021: Extreme Heat in Moscow
The summer of 2021 brought another period of extreme heat to Moscow, continuing the trend of hot summer seasons observed in the city and southern parts of Central Russia.
2022: End of Record High and Average Temperatures
2022 marked the end of a period of record high and average temperatures for several months in Moscow, starting in 2007.
2022: Total Fertility Rate in Moscow
The total fertility rate in Moscow in 2022 was 1.42 children per woman, indicating the average number of children born to a woman over her lifetime and reflecting current reproductive patterns in the city.
2022: Vital Statistics for Moscow
Vital statistics for Moscow were collected in 2022, providing insights into the city's demographic trends, including birth rates, death rates, and life expectancy.
2024: Hermitage Museum Branch Planned
Moscow is scheduled to get its own branch of the Hermitage Museum in 2024, with the final project designed by Hani Rashid.