Russia

Welcome to Russia

Russia is located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia, making it a transcontinental country. It is the largest country in the world, as it covers over 17 million square kilometers and has 11 different time zones. Hence, it shares borders with 14 countries: Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Belarus, Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, China, Mongolia, and North Korea. Russia’s history is incredibly rich and diverse which goes back to the 9th century and the establishment of the Kievan Rus’ state. Later, in the 16th century, this land became a very powerful state under the Tsardom of Russia, and then in the 18th century, under the Russian Empire. After that, in the 20th century, Russia became the largest republic of the Soviet Union, which was founded in 1922 and ended in 1991. Traditional folk music, dancing, and festivals are emblematic of Russian culture. Along with its rich history of visual arts, this nation is known for its iconic buildings, including Moscow’s St. Basil’s Cathedral’s vibrant domes. Not only that, but Russia is also home to some of the finest writers in history, such as Anton Chekhov, Fyodor Dostoevsky, and Leo Tolstoy.

Moscow is the capital and largest city in Russia. In fact, it is the largest city in the entirety of Europe. This city became the capital of Russia in 1712 under Peter the Great and now it is home to over 13 million people. Moscow offers a distinctive fusion of cultural experiences and architectural wonders, where history and modernity coexist. Therefore, there are so many amazing places awaiting you and one of them is Red Square. This area is home to many iconic spots in Moscow, such as St. Basil’s Cathedral, Lenin’s Mausoleum, and the State Historical Museum. Then you can visit one of the most unique places in this city, which is the Moscow Metro. This metro is not only a transportation system, it is an underground gallery renowned for its marvelous architecture and design. After that, you should visit Arbat Street, where shops, cafes, and street entertainers line this historic pedestrian strip and give it a bustling vibe. Surely, while you are enjoying yourself in this magnificent city, you have to try these Russian dishes, including Borscht ( a beet soup made with meat and served with sour cream), Pelmeni (dumplings filled with meat), and Medovik (layered honey cake).

Interesting Facts About Russia

• The Moscow Kremlin is the biggest medieval fortress in Europe.
• Sushi is more popular in Russia than in Japan.
• Russia has more than 1,100 cities – yet only 15 of them are home to more than 1 million inhabitants.
• The longest railroad track in the world is in Russia.
• Chess is a more popular sport in Russia than soccer.