10 fun and interesting Russia facts

1. Russia - A vast country with a vast history

Russia is an expansive country, stretching across a vast area of land and spanning eleven time zones. It is the largest country in the world, covering an area of 17,098,242 square kilometres. It is also the most populous country in Europe, with a population of over 144 million people. Russia shares borders with an impressive fifteen countries, including Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Belarus, Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, China, North Korea and Japan.

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2. Russia's Siberian Region is a Stunning Natural Wonder

Russia is home to the vast and beautiful Siberian region, which covers an impressive 5.2 million square miles and is home to an incredible 25% of the world's forests. This region is a stunning natural wonder, with its lush forests, crystal clear rivers, and snow-capped mountains. It is a haven for wildlife, with a variety of species living in its forests, including bears, wolves, and lynx. It is also a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of activities such as skiing, hiking, and fishing.

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3. Russians: Shaking Hands Across Door Leads To Endless Arguments

In Russia, it is believed that shaking hands across a doorway can lead to endless arguments, so it is considered bad luck to do so. This superstition is so deeply ingrained in the culture that it is still observed by many Russians today. Other superstitions include never whistling indoors, as it is believed to bring bad luck, and never giving someone an even number of flowers, as it is seen as a sign of mourning.

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4. Russian Language Doesn't Have "A" or "The"

In Russia, there is no need to worry about whether to use "a" or "the" when speaking or writing, as the language does not have either of these words. This helps to reduce confusion and makes communication easier, as there is no need to distinguish between the two. Additionally, the Russian language has a variety of other words that can be used to denote specificity, such as the use of the word "тот" to refer to a specific object or person. This helps to make the language more precise and allows for more accurate communication.

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5. Russian Language is Unique and Powerful

Russia is a country with a rich cultural heritage, and its language is no exception. The Russian language is one of the world's five most-spoken languages, and is written using the Cyrillic alphabet, which is derived from the Greek alphabet and is distinct from the Latin alphabet used in many other languages. This unique writing system has been used in Russia since the 10th century, and is still used today by over 150 million people.

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6. Russia's Natural Wonders

Russia is home to some of the world's oldest and most impressive natural wonders. The Ural Mountains, located in the western part of the country, are the oldest mountains in the world, having formed over 250 million years ago. Meanwhile, Lake Baikal, located in the south of Russia, is the largest freshwater reservoir on the planet and the deepest lake in the world, reaching depths of up to 1,642 meters. This stunning lake is home to an incredible array of wildlife, including over 1,700 species of plants and animals, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth.

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7. Russia's Klyuchevskaya: World's Largest Active Volcano

Klyuchevskaya Sopka, located in Russia, is the largest active volcano in the world, standing at an impressive 4,750m tall. It is part of the Klyuchevskoi Volcanic Group, which is situated in the Kamchatka Peninsula in the far east of Russia. The volcano has been active for thousands of years, with its most recent eruption occurring in January 2021. It is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, with over 50 eruptions recorded since the 16th century.

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8. Largest Library in Europe - Russia's State Library

The Russian State Library, founded in Moscow in 1862, is the largest library in Europe and the second-largest in the world, only surpassed by the Library of Congress in the United States. With over 44 million items, including books, magazines, newspapers, manuscripts, and audio and video recordings, the Russian State Library is a treasure trove of knowledge and culture. It is a major research center and a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world.

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9. Russia's Incredible Geography

Russia is a country of remarkable geographical diversity, boasting 12 seas within its borders and the world's longest railway, the Trans-Siberian, which spans an incredible 9,289 km from Vladivostok to Moscow. This railway, which was completed in 1916, passes through 87 cities and towns, and crosses 8 time zones. It is a feat of engineering that has been celebrated for over a century, and is a testament to the country's impressive size and diversity.

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10. Russia's Tsar Kolokol bell is the largest in the world

The Tsar Kolokol bell at the Kremlin is the largest bell in the world, weighing an astonishing 223 tons and standing 6.14 meters high. This impressive bell was crafted in 1735, but unfortunately it cracked soon after and has never been rung. It is a symbol of the grandeur of Russia and a reminder of the country's rich history.