Facts about the Country of Russia
Russia is the largest country in the world in area and spans Europe and Asia from west to East. Because Russia encompasses so much land, it also exhibits a great diversity in geography and ethnicities. Though generalizations about Russian culture can be made, the size and diversity of the country means that regions in Russia maintain cultural elements that aren't typical to other areas of Russia.Russia's Peoples
Though those who live in Russia are called “Russians,” about 160 various ethnic groups can be found in Russia. Russian is the official language, though over 100 languages are spoken by its peoples. The majority of Russians identify with the Eastern Orthodox (Christian) religion, but Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism are also practiced in Russia.Russia's Cities
Russia's capital city is Moscow, though St. Petersburg once held that title and now serves as a “second capital.” Moscow is home to many important symbols of Russian culture, such as the Kremlin, St. Basil's Cathedral, the Tretyakov Gallery, and more.Each city in Russia is unique and exhibits its own culture. For example, Kazan has a strong Tatar heritage and is the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan. Siberian cities reflect the realities of living in the far east of Russia with its bitterly cold winters and ethnic communities. Cities along important trade routes, like the Volga, preserve elements of ancient Russia.
Russian Food and Drink
Russian food and drink is a central part of life in this vast country. Most people are familiar with Russian vodka, that clear, flavorless spirit that encourages conversation and warms the blood. But Russians are also avid tea drinkers, and Russian tea culture is as strong as vodka culture. Russian foods are comforting, rich, and focus on the flavors favored over generations. Special holiday foods in Russia, like kulich and paska, grace tables seasonally, and their preparation and consumption is surrounded by ritual.Russian Family Life
Russian families don't differ drastically from families around the world. Both the mother and father typically work, and children go to school (where they typically learn English and other languages) to prepare them for university. The babushka, the Russian grandmother, fills the role of wise woman, curator of memories and traditions, and baker of favorite comfort foods.Russian families sometimes keep a dacha, or summer cottage, where they escape for the weekends or the summer and where they tend vegetable gardens and fruit trees.
When addressing friends or family, it's important to know a little about Russian names, which don't follow English-language conventions. You may hear the same person called by a variety of names which sound nothing alike!
Russia's Holidays
Russian celebrates standard Western holidays, such as Christmas, New Year's and Easter, but other holidays, like Victory Day and International Women's Day take on special emphasis in Russia. Russian holidays also recognize uniquely Russian achievements; for example, Cosmonaut Day celebrates Russia's achievements in space exploration.Russian Traditions
Russian culture is often tradition-driven. Traditions govern everything from how many flowers to give a woman to how to drink a bottle of vodka. Learning about Russian traditions will enrich your experience in Russia because you'll be able to navigate social situations more confidently.Russian Language
Russian language uses the Cyrillic alphabet. Russian Cyrillic uses 33 letters. These letters are derived from an old Slavic alphabet developed when Cyril and Methodius spread Christianity to the southern Slavic people in the 9th century. If you're traveling in Russia, it helps to know which letters in the Cyrillic alphabet are analogous to Latin letters. This makes reading signs and maps easier, even if you can't speak the language.Russian language itself is a Slavic language and shares some root words and sounds with other Slavic languages.
