Russia is in the news a lot these days, thanks to Vladimir Putin’s war, but before he invaded Ukraine, we visited Russia and found it to be a fascinating country. In fact, did you know that more than 5 million tourists visited Russia in 2019? Yes, things have changed, and many people will never visit Russia with its current government in power. I doubt we will be returning to the former Soviet Union anytime soon. However, when we drove through Russia during the Mongol Rally, we found that its landscape reminded us a lot of Canada, and its people were friendly and welcoming.
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Fun and Interesting Facts About Russia
Russia has dropped off the world stage as a travel destination. However, people still wonder what it is like there. Here are some interesting facts that can give you a bit of insight into its people, culture, and heritage. Considering it is bordered by 14 countries, Russia has a vast footprint, so people should get to know it a bit better.
Are you wondering what countries border Russia? They include Norway (to the northwest)m Finland (to the northwest), Estonia (to the west), Latvia (to the west), Lithuania (via the Kaliningrad exclave, to the west), Poland (via the Kaliningrad exclave, to the west), Belarus (to the west), Ukraine (to the southwest), Georgia (to the southwest), Azerbaijan (to the southwest), Kazakhstan (to the south), China (to the southeast), Mongolia (to the southeast), and North Korea (to the southeast). Whew, that’s a lot of countries, not to mention its three oceans (Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic) and the Baltic Sea. That’s a lot of bodies of water.
1. History – Back in the USSR
In 1917, the leader of the Bolshevik Russians, Vladimir Lenin, overthrew the Ztar of Russia and created the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (U.S.S.R.), which included Russia and 11 other countries. After the fall of Communism, the USSR was no longer, and today, its official name is the Russian Federation. Vladimir Putin pretends that it is now a democracy, but we know what he does to his opponents.
2. The Kremlin is the largest medieval fortified complex in the world
The Kremlin is beautiful, but did you know that it is the largest medieval fortified complex on earth? Overlooking the Moskva River, the Kremlin is the official residence of the President of Russia. The site has been continuously inhabited since the 2nd century BC and has been the seat of power for centuries.
In 1990, the Kremlin, along with Red Square, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has witnessed pivotal events in Russian history, from the reign of Ivan the Terrible to serving as the residence of Russian tsars, the headquarters of the Soviet government, and now the official residence of the Russian president.
3. Russia is a Part of Asia
Have you ever wondered what continent Russia is on? Is it Europe, or is it Asia? Well, the answer is both. In fact, 75% of Russia is located within Asia, and while driving through Russia to Mongolia, we felt that the east had more of an Asian feel than a European Feel.
Most of that area is Siberia, which makes up 77% of the Russian Federation. Siberia is a large region in Northern Russia. While it makes up 77% of the land, only 20% of the Russian people live in Siberia due to the harsh conditions.
We drove across Siberia in the summertime, and it was beautiful. Siberia reminded us a lot of Canada. And the people were so friendly and welcoming. If you love to get off the beaten path while traveling, you should visit Siberia. It is known for its natural beauty, and if you are lucky, you may even spot a reindeer. Read: Motherland Calls – Mother Russia Stands Proud Over Volgograd
4. Russia Is the Largest Country by Land Mass
Based on the total landmass, Russia is the largest country in the world. That is excellent for travelers because that means there is plenty to explore. The total landmass of Russia is 6,601,665 square miles (17,098,242 square kilometers). That is equal to 11% of the world’s total landmass! For comparison, the next biggest country is Canada, at 3,855,101 square miles (9984665 square km). Read: Interesting Facts About Canada
Russia 2 times larger than the USA and even bigger than the surface area of Pluto! With over 80 Russian provinces in Russia, including one former German province in an area of the Arkhangelsk region, this vast country reaches across some 14 time zones and an amazing array of people and cultures.
Oh, by the way, Russia doesn’t have states; instead, it is a federation of 86 republics, provinces, territories, and districts.
5. The World’s Longest Railway Is in Russia
Did you know that the longest railway in the world is in Russia? The Trans-Siberian Railway extends from Moscow to Vladivostok, on the Pacific Ocean east for a total of 5,772 miles. We have never stopped kicking ourselves for not booking the Trans Siberian Railway back to Europe after finishing the Mongol Rally in Mongolia. I
There are several branches and routes, including the Trans-Mongolian (Where we would have started), Trans-Manchurian, and Baikal-Amur Mainline (BAM). Construction on the railway began in 1891 and was completed in 1916, though various segments were operational before the entire line was finished.
6. Tetris Was Invented in Russia
Many people don’t know that the game Tetris was invented in Russia. In 1984, Alexey Pajitnov developed the first version of Tetris for the Electronika 60 computer. The game quickly caught on and spread throughout Russia. By 1987, the game was released in Europe and North America, and it became one of the most popular computer games in the world.
7. Russia Has 11 Time Zones
Did you know that Russia is so big that it has 11 different time zones? Even though Russia has 11 time zones, it still isn’t the country with the most time zones. France has the most time zones due to all the small islands that are a part of France. While Russia doesn’t have the most time zones, it still has a lot. If you decide to travel across Russia, you may experience jet lag without even leaving the country!
8. Russia Has 12 Active Volcanos
Another surprising fact about Russia is that it has 12 active volcanos! Of those volcanos, Kamchatka is one of the most commonly visited due to its accessible location. While many people think of Russia’s frozen tundras (have you ever noticed in movies that it is always winter in Russia?), it has a very diverse landscape with vast steppes, rolling forests, and volcanoes!
If you love nature and beautiful landscapes, you should visit Kamchatka. This active volcano has over 1,000 different species of plants and is also home to brown bears, sheep, and wolves. You can choose to visit Kamchatka on your own or go on a guided tour. If you are unfamiliar with the Russian language, an organized tour is the easiest option.
9. Russia Is Home to A Lot Of Famous Literature
Russia is home to some of the best and most esteemed writers in the world. A few of the great Russian authors include Alexander Pushkin, Alexander Solzhenitsyn, Ivan Turgenev, and Vladimir Nabokov. The famous Russian authors that you may also know are Fyodor Dostoevsky (Crime and Punishment) and Leo Tolstoy (War and Peace) and Anton Chekhov (A renowned playwright known for The Seagull)
10. Russia has the Deepest Lake in the World
Lake Baikal in Siberia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and, is the deepest lake in the world. It has a maximum depth of about 1,642 meters (5,387 feet) and contains approximately 23,600 cubic kilometers (5,662 cubic miles) of water, which is about 20% of the world’s unfrozen freshwater supply.
Lake Baikal is also one of the world’s oldest lakes, estimated to be around 25 million years old. This makes it a valuable site for scientific research on evolution and geological history. In winter, the surface of Lake Baikal freezes over, creating a thick layer of ice. The ice is so clear that you can see several meters down into the water, and it often forms strikingly beautiful patterns and bubbles.
11. Europe’s Two Largest Lakes are in Russia
Lake Ladoga is the largest lake in Europe, covering an area of approximately 17,700 square kilometers (6,800 square miles). Its average depth is 51 meters (167 feet), and its maximum depth is about 230 meters (750 feet).
The lake contains around 660 islands, the most notable of which is the Valaam Archipelago, which is home to the historic Valaam Monastery.
While we are on the topic of Lakes, Lake Onega has an island full of churches that were built with a single nail. It is also Europe’s Second largest lake. Baikal is in Siberia in Northern Asia.
12. The Volga River is the longest River in Europe.
The Volga River is the longest river in Europe. However, it isn’t the longest river in Russia. Remember, we told you that Russia spans two continents?
13. The Official Language for Space is Russian and English
Here is an interesting fact I never knew: Russian and English are the official languages of space, particularly the International Space Station (ISS). These languages are used for communication between astronauts and cosmonauts from different countries, as well as for documentation, procedures, and operations aboard the ISS.
Astronauts and cosmonauts undergo rigorous training in both languages to ensure they understand all instructions and safety procedures and communicate effectively with all crew members and mission control centers, which are located in the United States and Russia. So even American astronauts will learn Russian.
14. Yuri Gagarin was the First Person in Space
I know that most people know that Neil Armstrong was the first person to step on the moon, but in 1961, the Russians beat America to space. On April 12, 1961, the spacecraft Vostok 1 completed one orbit of the Earth, making Yuri Gagarin an international hero and a symbol of Soviet space achievement.
Yuri Gagarin’s life was cut short when he died in a plane crash on March 27, 1968, at the age of 34. He was on a routine training flight in a MiG-15UTI aircraft when the accident occurred. The exact cause of the crash remains a subject of speculation and investigation, but it was a significant loss to the space and aviation communities.
15. Russia Has One of the World’s Busiest Metros
Moscow’s metro station is the fourth busiest in the world. The only busier stations are in Seoul, Shanghai, and Tokyo. More than 2 billion people ride the metro each year in Russia.
One of the best things about Russia having a busy metro is that it makes it easier for locals and tourists to get around. There are trains for almost everywhere you could want to go. Read more: 17 Exciting Things to do in Moscow
16. St. Petersburg Metro is one of the deepest metro lines in the world.
The St. Petersburg Metro, originally known as the Leningrad Metro, opened on November 15, 1955. It is the second oldest metro system in Russia, after the Moscow Metro. It is also one of the deepest metro systems in the world. The Admiralteyskaya station is the deepest in Russia and one of the deepest in the world, located about 86 meters (282 feet) below ground. The depth is due to the city’s geology and the need to tunnel beneath the Neva River.
17. Russians Learn Not to Smile
Another one of the best Russian facts is that Russians learn not to smile while growing up. While smiling in many cultures is a sign of happiness and friendliness, Russians don’t view it that way. To Russians, smiling is a sign of weakness and not showing one’s true feelings. Russians do smile at people they know well and care about, but not at strangers as many other cultures do.
If you smile at a Russian on the street, don’t expect them to return the favor, however, we found that many Russians smiled and waved back while driving in Russia.
18. 54% Of the Russian Population Is Female
There is a big difference between the male and female population in Russia. While females make up 54% of the population, males only make up 46%. Why is there such a big difference in the population? The population gap began during World War II, when 25 million Russian soldiers died. While there is no longer a war going on, men still have a much shorter lifespan than women in Russia.
That being said, Russia is a vast and diverse country with a rich cultural tapestry composed of many different ethnic groups and cultures. Russia is home to over 190 ethnic groups. The largest ethnic group is Russians, who make up about 80% of the population. Other significant ethnic groups include Tatars, Ukrainians, Bashkirs, Chuvash, Chechens, and Armenians.
19. Vodka is Actually From Poland
When traveling through Russia, we noticed that everyone drank Vodka. Even in the morning, we saw people sipping on Vodka outside in the sun. However, its national drink was actually invented in Poland.
While vodka is commonly associated with Russia,
Both countries claim to have invented vodka, and evidence suggests that vodka production in Poland dates back to the 8th or 9th century. The first documented mention of vodka in Poland comes from court documents from the Palatinate of Sandomierz in 1405.
Early Polish vodka, known as “gorzalka,” was initially used for medicinal purposes. It was believed to have healing properties and was used in the preparation of various herbal tinctures. Poland has strict regulations regarding vodka labels. According to Polish law, vodka must be made from grain or potatoes and have a minimum alcohol content of 37.5%.
20. The Hermitage Museum of St. Petersburg is Pretty Awesome.
The Hermitage holds the Guinness World Record for the largest collection of paintings in the world. It houses more than 3 million items, including masterpieces of Western European art, Russian art, ancient artifacts, and more. Despite its vast collection, only a small fraction is on display at any given time. The museum was founded in 1764 by Empress Catherine the Great, who began the collection with a purchase of 225 paintings from a Berlin merchant.
While the museum boasts an impressive collection of works by renowned artists, including Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Michelangelo, Raphael, Titian, Rubens, Van Dyck, Monet, Renoir, Cézanne, Gauguin, Van Gogh, and Picasso it is its resident cats that make a splash. The museum is home to about 70 cats, known as the “Hermitage cats.” These cats have been living in the museum for centuries and are considered unofficial protectors against rodents. They have their own dedicated staff and even a “cat passport.”
21. Folk Dancing Is a Tradition in Russia
Folk dancing is an important part of Russian history and Russian culture. Khorovod is one of the most common types of Russian folk dancing. This style of dance consists of people dancing in a circle while holding hands.
Russians perform folk dances at festivals, markets, and in the theater. If you get the chance to travel to Russia, be sure to attend a Russian folk dance performance to learn more about the culture and traditions of Russia.
22. 20% Of the Earth’s Trees Are in Russia
If you love nature, you will enjoy this fact: Around 20% of all the trees in the world are in Russia, which is around 640 billion trees. Many of the trees are in remote areas of Siberia. They are part of wild, untouched forests that are too cold to travel to. These untouched forests are home to the endangered Siberian Tigers.
With how vast and diverse Russia is, its no wonder it is home to much of the world’s natural resources including oil, gold and lumber.
23. Russia Is Home to the Coldest Village in the World
Because Russia has harsh winter conditions, it is probably no surprise that Russia is home to the coldest village in the world. Winters in Oymyakon, Russia average -58 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest recorded temperature in Oymyakon is -96 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, because Russia is so huge, it has a Mediterranean climate. In fact, Sochi, the host of the 2014 Winter Olympics, is on the same latitude as Nice, France.
24. Russians Have Plenty of Superstitions
Another interesting fact about Russia is that, in general, Russians tend to have many superstitions and traditions. One of the most common traditions is only to give flowers in odd numbers. Many Russians believe that an even number of flowers are only for cemeteries. If you give a Russian an even number of flowers, they make take it personally.
In addition to not giving out an even number of flowers, Russians also believe you should not wear clothes inside out. If you put your clothes on inside out, the Russians believe you will be beaten.
25. Russia Sold Alaska for 7.2 Million Dollars
In 1897, Russia sold Alaska to the United States for only 7.2 million dollars. With inflation, that is around 120 million dollars today. At one time, the Russian Empire spanned from Eastern Europe to North America, but at the time of selling Russia needed the money, and there weren’t many Russian settlers living in Alaska. In addition to needing the money, Russia believed that selling the land to the United States would help offset Europe’s power. Check out: The Best Places to Visit in Alaska
Did You Enjoy These Facts About Russia? Russia is an amazing place to visit if you love history, culture, and architecture. While Russia isn’t one of the most popular tourist destinations, it is perfect for anyone that wants to get off the beaten path.
Thank you for educating us. My class and I wish to see you someday.
Yours Truly,
Mrs. Plumb and students