🇷🇺 Russia
Russia is the largest country in the world, spanning over 17 million square kilometers and spanning two continents, Europe and Asia. Its population is over 144 million people. Its official language is Russian and it has a diverse population with many ethnicities and religious groups.
Russia has a long and complex history, dating back to the 9th century when the East Slavs first established a state in the region. In the late Middle Ages, the Grand Principality of Moscow emerged as the leading power in the area, eventually evolving into the Tsardom of Russia in the 16th century.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, Russia expanded its territory through conquests and by the 19th century, it had become one of the world's leading powers. In 1917, the Russian Revolution led to the establishment of the Soviet Union, a communist state that would last for over 70 years.
The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 marked the end of the Cold War and the beginning of a new era for Russia. Today, Russia is a federal semi-presidential republic, and it has a mixed economy with a high level of state control in strategic areas such as energy, the military-industrial complex, and finance.
Russia has played a significant role in international politics and it continues to be a major player in global affairs. It has a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, and it's one of the five recognized nuclear weapons states under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Russia's culture and society are diverse, with a long history of literature, art, and music, it's also known for its deep Orthodox Christian faith, and its traditional folk art, architecture, and customs.
Russia Travel Taboo
Russia is a vast and diverse country with a rich culture and history, and there are certain customs and taboos that visitors should be aware of when traveling there. Here are a few things to keep in mind when visiting Russia:
- Respect for Orthodox Christianity: The Russian Orthodox Church is an important part of Russia's cultural heritage and visitors should be respectful of its religious practices and customs, especially when visiting churches and monasteries.
- Dress modestly: Visitors should dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites. Avoid revealing clothing and consider covering your arms and legs.
- Respect for authority: Russians tend to have a great respect for authority and the law, visitors should be mindful of that when interacting with officials and the police.
- Homosexuality laws: Russia has passed laws restricting the promotion of homosexuality to minors and it's important to be aware of that and to be discreet.
- Photography: Photography is restricted in certain places, particularly at government buildings, military installations, airports and metro stations. Visitors should ask for permission before taking pictures and follow the regulations.
- Drinking and partying: Drinking in public is not allowed, and excessive partying and loud behavior in public are discouraged, visitors should consider this and show respect for the local culture.
- Currency: US dollars and Euros are widely accepted in major cities, but it's important to know that credit card fraud is a big problem in Russia, it's advisable to bring cash and to be careful when using card.
- Time: Russia has multiple time zones, so it's important to check the local time before travelling and plan accordingly
- It's important to be respectful of the laws and customs in Russia, as well as the culture and the traditions of its people. By doing so, visitors will have a much more enjoyable and fulfilling experience while in the country.
Russia Local Food
Russia has a diverse culinary tradition that has been influenced by its various ethnic groups, as well as its historical ties to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Here are a few examples of popular local foods in Russia:
- Pelmeni: These are meat-filled dumplings that are usually made with beef, pork, or lamb, and they are a traditional Russian dish that originated in Siberia.
- Borscht: This is a hearty soup made with beets, potatoes, onions, and cabbage, and it's often served with sour cream.
- Vareniki: Similar to Pelmeni but they are filled with sweet or savory fillings such as mashed potatoes, cottage cheese or even fruit.
- Pirozhki: Fried or baked turnovers filled with meat, fish, or vegetables.
- Shashlik: grilled skewers of marinated meat, traditionally made with lamb, but it can be made with other meats as well, it's a popular street food.
- Caviar: Russia is known for its delicious caviar, typically made from sturgeon roe.
- Kvass: a non-alcoholic traditional Russian beverage made from fermented bread, it's a popular drink during the summer.
- Kasha: a traditional dish made of boiled grains such as buckwheat, oats, or barley, it's a staple of Russian cuisine and it's often served as a side dish or a breakfast food.
- Blini: thin pancakes that are often served with caviar, sour cream, or honey, it's a popular dish during the Maslenitsa festival
Russia Festiaval
Russia has a rich culture and history, and there are many festivals and events that take place throughout the year to celebrate its heritage and customs. Here are a few popular festivals and events in Russia:
- Maslenitsa: is a pre-Lent festival, it marks the end of the winter and the arrival of spring, it's celebrated with outdoor activities, pancakes, and traditional games.
- Christmas: even though the official religion of the country is Orthodox Christianity and Christmas is celebrated on January 7th, in recent years, it's becoming more common to also celebrate Christmas on December 25th as well.
- New Year: New Year's Eve is the most important holiday in Russia, it's celebrated with fireworks, parties, and traditional Russian meals.
- Easter: is a significant holiday in Russia, it's celebrated by the Orthodox Church and it's marked by colorful Easter eggs and traditional foods.
- Victory Day: is celebrated on May 9th to commemorate the Soviet Union's victory in World War II, it's marked by parades, fireworks, and other public events.
- Ivan Kupala Day: is a traditional Slavic holiday that celebrates the summer solstice, it's marked by bonfires, traditional rituals, and folk costumes.
- White Nights Festival: takes place in St. Petersburg during the summer months, when the sun barely sets, it features ballet and opera performances, jazz concerts, and fireworks.
- The Golden Mask: is the most important theatre festival in Russia, it takes place annually in Moscow and it presents the best of the Russian and international theatre.
Russia History
Russia has a long and complex history that spans several centuries. The earliest known inhabitants of the region were the East Slavs, who established a state in the 9th century.
- In the late Middle Ages, the Grand Principality of Moscow emerged as the leading power in the area, and eventually evolved into the Tsardom of Russia in the 16th century. The Tsardom of Russia began to expand its territories through conquests and marriages, by the end of the 16th century Russia reached the Ural Mountains and the Caspian Sea.
- In the 17th and 18th centuries, Russia expanded its territory further, through conquests and colonization, reaching Alaska and California in North America. In 1721, Peter the Great became Tsar and modernized the country's government and economy, leading to Russia becoming one of the leading powers in Europe.
- In 1917, the Russian Revolution led to the establishment of the Soviet Union, which lasted for over 70 years and it became a leading superpower in the world. The Soviet Union collapsed in 1991 and marked the end of the Cold War and the beginning of a new era for Russia.
- Today, Russia is a federal semi-presidential republic, and it has a mixed economy with a high level of state control in strategic areas such as energy, the military-industrial complex, and finance. Throughout its history, Russia has been shaped by its vast territories, its diverse ethnic groups, and its historical ties to Europe and Asia. It has a complex relationship with its neighbors and with the West, playing a significant role in international politics and global affairs.