Windows to Russia – Окна в Россию

World War I demonstrated czarist corruption and inefficiency, and only patriotism held the poorly equipped army together for a time. Disorders broke out in Petrograd (renamed Leningrad and now St….

Tradition says the Viking Rurik came to Russia in 862 and founded the first Russian dynasty in Novgorod. The various tribes were united by the spread of Christianity in the…

Eastern Europe and Northern Asia, bordering the Arctic Ocean, between Europe and the North Pacific Ocean. Largest country in the world in terms of area; Mount Elbrus is Europe’s tallest…

Geography The Russian Federation is the largest of the 21 republics that make up the Commonwealth of Independent States. It occupies most of eastern Europe and north Asia, stretching from…

Fast Facts about Russia Country name The official name for Russia is either Russian Federation or Russia. Both names are equal according to the Russian Constitution. In Russian script, they…

Official state holidays 8 state holidays January 1 — New Year´s Day January 7 — Christmas February 23 — Defender of the Motherland Day March 8 — International Women’s Day…

Religion Four religions are official: Orthodox Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Judaism Since the fall of communism, religion has thrived with churches and monasteries springing up all over the country Decades…

Administrative division 83 federal entities Russia is made up of 83 federal entities. Some of them are called republics, others are regions and there are also autonomies They all have…

Political system The Constitution was adopted by national referendum on December 12, 1993 Russia is a federal presidential republic The executive power is split between the President and the Prime…

Population 160 ethnic groups Population — 142 million A blend of cultures and religions Russia has one of the world’s most diverse societies – as many as 160 ethnic groups…