Country Facts

Russia map
  • Capital City: Moscow
  • Currency: Ruble = 100 Kopecks
  • International dialling code: +7
  • Official language: Russian and many minority languages
  • Official name: Russian Federation
  • Population: About 145 million
  • Religion: Christianity (Russian Orthodox), Islam, Buddhism and other religions, as well as atheism
  • Web domain: .ru
  • Government: Federal state with power centralised under executive president
  • Languages and foreigners: Most middle age Russians don’t speak other languages; however some in the younger generation, especially in big cities, can speak a foreign language to a certain extent. Depending on where you are, the signs on streets or underground may be in Russian only, so basic knowledge of the Cyrillic alphabet is helpful.
  • Celebrities you should know: Evgeny Pluschenko (ice skater), Yelena Isinbayeva (pole vaulter), Anna Netrebko (opera singer), Maya Plisetskaya (ballet dancer), Diana Vishneva (ballet dancer), Denis Matsuev (pianist), Igor Butman (jazz saxophonist), Nikita Mikhalkov (Oscar-winning film director), Vladimir Pozner (TV presenter and journalist), Konstantin Khabensky (actor), Dmitriy Nagiev (actor, TV presenter and showman), Ivan Urgant (TV presenter, actor and showman), Alla Pugacheva (popular singer and a living legend)
  • Food taboos and favourites: Olivier salad would definitely be an all-Russian favourite, typically consumed during New Year's eve celebrations, but also the whole year round. Other favourite foods include borsch, schi, mashed potatoes with meat patties and pirojki (pies) with sweet and savoury fillings. Many Russians prefer simple and plain food, however there are also many that love trying different foods of the world.
  • Sports: Football and ice hockey are the most-loved and most-watched sports. Russians also enjoy watching ice skating, cross-country skiing, biathlon and synchronised swimming. Russians refer to "ice hockey" as simply "hockey". On the other hand, cricket, netball and baseball are not popular in Russia at all!
  • Biggest holidays and celebrations: New Year (which is much bigger than Christmas), Christmas (celebrated on 7 January), 8th March (Women's Day, which is a bit similar to Mother's Day), 23rd February (Defender of the Fatherland Day, which is a bit similar to Father's Day), Victory Day (9 May)