RUSSIA FACTS

Russia is the largest country (by territory) in the world and has a population of 180 million people.

Russia crosses eleven time zones and it takes about a week to cross it by train.

The official language is Russian, but the country comprises of peoples and about 100 nationalities that are bilinguals and talk their national languages at home or among the elderly people. According to the latest Censure of 2002 year, the most numerous are Russians (about 80 % of population), the Tatars, the Ukrainians, the Bashkirs, the Tchuvashs, the Tchechens, the Armenians. Among other numerous nationalities are Mordva, Byelorussians, Kasachs, Udmurts, Azerbaidgans, Germans, Kabardins, Osetins, Dargins. English, German and French are the most popular foreign languages studied and spoken. 

Russia is a democracy with a President as the head of state and Army. The next Presidential Elections will take place in 2008. Vladimir Putin is the second President of Russian Federation and he is supported by about 70 % of population. After the dissolution of the USSR in 1991 Russia became the leader of the former USSR - CIS countries. Since then Russia has undergone the economic reforms and the social problems are still being resolved. In August 1998 there occurred financial crises but major companies have continued to invest and by 1999 relative stability had been achieved.

Russian economy continues to grow at a rapid rate. Its gross domestic product grew in the past 5 years and in 2006 year its growth was estimated at 6.8 %, inflation at 9%. The foreign trade also grew at totaled $ 468.4 billion. Its economic growth is driven by housing construction and trade. As for private capital inflow it reached $ 41 billion in 2006, including $ 31 billion in direct foreign investment as a result of the full liberalization of the Russian foreign exchange market. Russia has joined the group of the worlds top 10 economies in terms of capitalization of the stock market.

The Russian currency is the Rouble. Since 2007 it is an internationally quoted currency.

The Capital is Moscow with the population of about 10 million people. It is considered to be one of the most expensive cities in the world. Other largest cities are Saint-Petersburg, Samara, Omsk, Ekaterinburg, Chelyabinsk, Kazan, Ufa, Perm. 

Despite their initial appearance Russians are friendly: they just need special treatment and you should not worry if they seem hostile and do not smile at first :) 

Security and theft is similar in levels to most European cities so you are advised to be careful.  Corruption is widespread.  

Filtered or bottled water is recommended instead of tap water.   

Electrical supply is 220 W similar to Europe. 

Russians celebrate international and their own holidays dedicated to important history days, religious and also the days of various professions.

Be aware that on these days shops may work other hours, restaurants and hotels should be booked beforehand. Here is the list of most important and celebrated holidays:

• New Year - January 1^st
• Orthodox Christmas - January 7^th. Usually Russians have holidays from 1^st till 10^th January.
• St. Valentines Day - February 14^th
• Armed Forces Day - February 23^rd
• Womens Day - March 8^th
• Labour Day - May 1^st
• Victory Day - May 9^th
• Declaration of the National Sovereignty - June 12^th
• Knowledge Day - September 1^st 
• Union Day - November 4^th
• Constitution Day - December 12^th