Rus
sia is the largest country in the world, covering over 17 million square kilometers. It’s known for many things, from its rich history to its famous vodka. However, there are many interesting facts about Russia that aren’t as widely known. In this article, we’ll explore some of the lesser-known aspects of Russian culture, history, and nature. 1. The Trans-Siberian Railway is the longest railway line in the world, spanning 9,289 kilometers from Moscow to Vladivostok. It takes around six days to complete the journey. 2. Lake Baikal is the deepest and oldest lake in the world, containing 20% of the world’s unfrozen freshwater. It’s more than five times the size of the Great Lakes in North America. 3. The Russian flag is three equal stripes of white, blue, and red. It’s one of the most recognizable flags in the world. 4. In 1903, the first ever movie was screened in Russia. It was a short film by the Lumière brothers, who were also responsible for the first ever public movie screening in Paris. 5. Since 2007, Russia has had a “day of national unity” on November 4th. It commemorates the end of the Time of Troubles in 1612, when Russia was invaded by a Polish-Lithuanian army. 6. Despite being a largely Christian country, Russians celebrate New Year’s Eve more passionately than Christmas. They exchange gifts and enjoy elaborate feasts, and fireworks are a common tradition. 7. Russian culture has produced some of the world’s most famous writers and poets, including Leo Tolstoy, Anton Chekhov, and Alexander Pushkin. 8. The term “vodka” comes from the Russian word “voda”, which means “water”. Vodka is a staple drink in Russia, and is enjoyed neat or mixed with other drinks. 9. The world’s largest bell, the Tsar Bell, is located in Moscow’s Kremlin. It weighs over 200 tons and was forged in the 18th century. However, it has never been rung, as it was damaged while still in its casting mold. 10 Ivan IV, also known as Ivan the Terrible, was the first tsar of Russia. He ruled from 1547 to 1584 and was known for his brutal and tyrannical reign. 11. Matryoshka dolls, also known as Russian nesting dolls, were first created in the late 1800s. They are made of wood and come in a variety of sizes, with each doll fitting inside the larger one. 12. St. Petersburg is often called the “Venice of the North” because of its many canals and bridges. It’s also home to the Hermitage Museum, one of the largest art museums in the world. 13. Russia has a large population of ethnic minorities, including Tatars, Bashkirs, and Yakuts. Tatar is the second largest ethnic group in Russia after Russians. 14. The world’s northernmost city, located on the island of Spitsbergen in the Svalbard archipelago, is a Russian town called Barentsburg. It has a population of just over 500 people. 15. The Russian alphabet has 33 letters, and is based on the Cyrillic script. It was developed in the 9th century and is now used by many Slavic languages, including Bulgarian and Ukrainian. In conclusion, Russia is a fascinating country with a rich history and culture. From its famous landmarks like the Trans-Siberian Railway and Lake Baikal, to its famous writers and poets and traditional drinks like vodka, there is much to discover and explore in Russia. Whether you’re a tourist visiting for the first time or a lifelong resident, there’s always something new and interesting to learn about this unique and complex nation.
