The facts of Russian culture will give you a short idea of the broader topic. Learn about traditions and important historical figures, information on the development of Russia, and tips for traveling to Russia. Knowing Russian culture will make your visit to this vast country in Eastern Europe more enjoyable! The following reference is intended as a quick guide for travelers or students.
Facts about the country of Russia
Russia is the world's largest country in area and covers Europe and Asia from west to east.
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Because Russia includes so much territory, it also displays a great diversity of geography and ethnicities. Although Russian culture can be generalized, the country's size and diversity mean that regions in Russia preserve cultural elements that are not typical of other regions of Russia.
peoples of Russia
Although those who live in Russia are called “Russians”, around 160 different ethnic groups can be found in Russia. Russian is the official language, although more than 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 cities
The Russian capital is Moscow, although Saint Petersburg previously held this title, and is now the "second capital". Moscow is home to many important symbols of Russian culture, such as the Kremlin, St. Basil's Cathedral, the Tretyakov Gallery, more.
Each city in Russia is unique and displays 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 life in the Far East of Russia with cold winters and cold ethnic communities. Cities along important trade routes, such as the Volga, preserve elements of ancient Russia.
Russian food and drink
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Russian food and drink is an essential part of life in this vast country. Most people are familiar with Russian vodka, that clear, tasteless spirit that encourages conversation and warms the blood. But Russians are also passionate tea drinkers, and the Russian tea culture is as strong as that of vodka. Russian foods are comforting and rich, and focus on favorite flavors across generations. Special holiday foods in Russia, such as kulich and paska, grace tables seasonally, surrounded by ritual preparation and consumption.
Russian family life
Russian families are not significantly different from families around the world. Usually both the mother and father work, and the children go to school (where they usually learn English and other languages) to prepare them for university. Babushka, a Russian grandmother, fills the role of wise woman, custodian of memories and traditions, and baker of favorite comfort foods.
Sometimes Russian families keep their "dacha" or "summer cottage", where they run away on weekends or in summer, where they tend to grow vegetables and fruit trees.
When dealing with friends or family, it is important to know a little about Russian names, which do not follow conventions in English.
You may hear the same person called a variety of names hearing nothing alike!
Russia Holidays
Russia celebrates the usual Western holidays, such as Christmas, New Year's Day, and Easter, but other holidays, such as Victory Day and International Women's Day, have a special focus in Russia. Russian holidays also recognize unique Russian achievements. For example, "Cosmonaut's Day" celebrates Russia's achievements in space exploration.
Holland lovers weekly magazine, editor-in-chief Jaafar Al-Khabouri
Facts about the country of Russia
Russia is the world's largest country in area and covers Europe and Asia from west to east.
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Because Russia includes so much territory, it also displays a great diversity of geography and ethnicities. Although Russian culture can be generalized, the country's size and diversity mean that regions in Russia preserve cultural elements that are not typical of other regions of Russia.
peoples of Russia
Although those who live in Russia are called “Russians”, around 160 different ethnic groups can be found in Russia. Russian is the official language, although more than 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 cities
The Russian capital is Moscow, although Saint Petersburg previously held this title, and is now the "second capital". Moscow is home to many important symbols of Russian culture, such as the Kremlin, St. Basil's Cathedral, the Tretyakov Gallery, more.
Each city in Russia is unique and displays 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 life in the Far East of Russia with cold winters and cold ethnic communities. Cities along important trade routes, such as the Volga, preserve elements of ancient Russia.
Russian food and drink
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Russian food and drink is an essential part of life in this vast country. Most people are familiar with Russian vodka, that clear, tasteless spirit that encourages conversation and warms the blood. But Russians are also passionate tea drinkers, and the Russian tea culture is as strong as that of vodka. Russian foods are comforting and rich, and focus on favorite flavors across generations. Special holiday foods in Russia, such as kulich and paska, grace tables seasonally, surrounded by ritual preparation and consumption.
Russian family life
Russian families are not significantly different from families around the world. Usually both the mother and father work, and the children go to school (where they usually learn English and other languages) to prepare them for university. Babushka, a Russian grandmother, fills the role of wise woman, custodian of memories and traditions, and baker of favorite comfort foods.
Sometimes Russian families keep their "dacha" or "summer cottage", where they run away on weekends or in summer, where they tend to grow vegetables and fruit trees.
When dealing with friends or family, it is important to know a little about Russian names, which do not follow conventions in English.
You may hear the same person called a variety of names hearing nothing alike!
Russia Holidays
Russia celebrates the usual Western holidays, such as Christmas, New Year's Day, and Easter, but other holidays, such as Victory Day and International Women's Day, have a special focus in Russia. Russian holidays also recognize unique Russian achievements. For example, "Cosmonaut's Day" celebrates Russia's achievements in space exploration.
Holland lovers weekly magazine, editor-in-chief Jaafar Al-Khabouri