The journal was founded in 1946. Till 1955, it was published as "Bulletin of Moscow University. Series of Physical-Mathematical and Natural Sciences. Since 1955, it began to appear as a series of "Biology, Soil science, Geology and Geography." In 1960, a series of "Geography" gained independence, since this year the journal has been published under the present name. The journal caters for all aspects of scientific research at the Faculty of Geography, including the contribution of science to the solution of pressing socio-economic and environmental problems of our country and the world. Theoretical and methodological issues together with the problems of university geographical education and training of highly qualified specialists are of special importance. Many famous scientists published their papers in the journal, among those it is worth mentioning N.N. Baranskii, I.A. Vitver, N.N. Kolosovskii, S.D. Muraveiskii, K.K. Markov, S.P. Khromov, K.A. Salishchev, Yu.G. Saushkin, I.S. Shchukin, G.K. Tushinskii, B.P. Alisov, N.N. Zubov, A.D. Dobrovol’skii, M.A. Glazovskaya, A.I. Perel’man, A.G. Voronov, N.A. Gvozdetskii and others. Currently, "Bulletin…" continues the traditions laid down by them. This primarily concerns further development of the theory of geographical sciences, relationship of natural, social and economic systems based on the application of new research methods (mathematical modeling, remote sensing of the Earth, etc.). Fundamental and applied issues get closer, this is especially true for the problems of climate change and related environmental issues. The topical scientific problems and important dates are reflected in Special Issues of the journal: "The Caspian Region: environmental consequences of climate changes” (2011), "Lomonosov and Geography" (2011), the 100th anniversary of M.A. Glazovskaya (2012), the 150th anniversary of V.I. Vernadskii (2013), the 100th anniversary of A.I. Perel’man (2015). The journal has expanded its borders, going beyond geographical faculty: authors from different regions of Russia and the world publish their articles here; also the editorial board became international.

The main objective of the journal is the development of geographical science and the introduction of its achievements in the educational process for the preparation of highly qualified personnel. It is open to dialogue and discussion on a wide range of scientific and educational issues. The journal focuses on the compliance with international standards of publishing scientific periodicals, inclusion of the journal in the international bibliographic databases and citation systems, integration of Russian scientists into the international scientific community.