The Republic of Karelia is situated in northwestern Russia and borders with Leningrad Region and Vologda Region on the south, with Murmansk Region on the north, and with Arkhangelsk Region on the east. The western border of Karelia coincides with the state border between the Russian Federation and Finland. On the north-east the republic’s shores are washed by the White Sea. The administrative center is Petrozavodsk.

The region covers an area of 180,500 sq km. The territory is mostly represented by hilly plains with the picturesque scenery created by green taiga traversed by rivers and embellished with numerous mirrors of lakes. The magnificent landscape has preserved impressive traits created by the ice shelves and ancient mountains. About half of the area is covered with forests.

Water surface makes up for around 25% of the territory of the republic. There are more then 60,000 lakes and some 27,000 rivers in Karelia. Numerous lakes with stony, sometimes even rocky shores are among the major symbols of this taiga region. The major lakes are Ladoga, Onega, Segozero. Among rivers can be named the Vodla, the Suna, the Kem', the Vyg, etc.

Karelia has long but relatively mild winters and cool summers. Average temperatures range from -13 °С for January to 16 °С for July. Average annual precipitation is around 500 mm.

The republic enjoys favorable economical and geographical position thanks to its rich natural resources and to its closeness to the central industrial regions of Russia and Western Europe.