Many foreigners have heard a lot of myths about Russia. These were mainly created by a vigorous propaganda machine and a scandalous history of modern geopolitics. A lot of foreigners still imagine Russia as a backward country with a severe climate and tough people, with a great culture and a complicated history.
However, everyone usually changes their opinion about Russia after visiting Moscow and engaging with real Russians. This change in viewpoints was especially visible during the World Cup 2018… Moscow was full of travelers with relaxed and happy faces from all over the world enjoying the country!
Tourists tell us that all stereotypes are usually completely destroyed after their first several days in Moscow. The majority want to sabasport visit the country again and some even talk about moving to Moscow.
Do you want to learn more about Russia? Enjoy the next section!
1. Russia is the country of giants! In all senses.
Russia is the largest country in the world. It’s 2 times larger than the USA and even bigger than the surface area of Pluto! With over 80 Russian provinces in Russia, including one former German province in an area of Arkhangelsk region, this vast country reaches across some 14 time zones and an amazing array of people and cultures.
The Moscow Kremlin is the largest medieval fortified complex in the world. It also has the largest church bell and military cannon within the Kremlin complex.
The Metro in St. Petersburg is the deepest subway system in the world. Its average depth reaches 100 meters!
The Trans-Siberian railway is the longest railway system in the world that crosses 8 time zones. They have built it over 25 years with outrageous costs, desperate stuggle and enduring hardships.
Baikal is the largest and deepest lake in the world! Oymyakon is the coldest place on Earth. St. Petersburg is the northernmost town with over 1 million of population. Murmansk is the largest city of the Polar region. Volga is the biggest river and Elbrus in the highest mountain in Europe.
2. Russia is primarily known as the frozen kingdom (without people)
Permafrost covers 65% of the Russian territory. Siberia occupies 77% of Russia! The Climate is very cold and winters are extremely long there! Siberia is immense, underpopulated, underdeveloped, and naturally severe.
I remember when our scientific group worked in Siberia. Wetlands for hundreds of kilomemeters, tons of gigantic mosquitos and only 2 months of summer. It’s considered a good day when you don’t need to take your coat!
It’s important to understand that only a few people live in the wilderness of Siberia. There are several big cities and lots of smaller towns where people spend their lives deciding how to survive or if they should just leave the place. Factually, only 25% of Russians dwell in Siberia.
3. America and Russia are close (like brothers)
Russians have an expression “Where are we and where is America?” meaning how different our countries are. However, the real distance between Russia and America (Alaska) is… only 4 km! It’s closer to fly from Chicago to Moscow than to Rio de Janeiro!
4. Alaska was Russian territory
The Russian Empire was so huge and powerful that Russians conquered the Western part of America before Great Britain did it. In 1867, the US bought Alaska for $118 million in today’s value. Despite the bargain price of roughly two cents an acre, the Alaskan purchase was ridiculed in Congress and in the press as “Seward’s Folly,”’ but later was recognized as one of the most valuable land grabs in American history.
5. St. Petersburg is the northern Venice
eter the Great wanted to build ta new Amsterdam when he founded St. Petersburg only 300 years ago. A city of water and canals, in European fashion a lot of small boats moved goods from one shop to another; a faster and more convenient method of travel and transportation at that time.
Now St. Petersburg is the town of bridges and channels just like Venice! More than 60 different channels cross city to 42 small islands with 500 bridges and 20 increible drawbridges.
St. Petersburg is famous for its amazing architecture. The city center was included in the UNESCO heritage list just like Paris and Rome. The city was built to enjoy the views from the water, so don’t hesitate and take the boat trip!<
What’s more? St. Petereburg is famous for its amazing culture, opera, theaters and the incredible Hermitage museum with more than 3 million exhibits. A special army of pampered cats protect it from rats!