RUSSIAZaira Ventura

The Arts Russia has a strong history of art. Realistic, romantic, political, and psychological

themes are common throughout Russian novels, poems, and plays.

Some of the most well known symphonies, ballets, operas and other musical works come from Russia.

Renowned ballet company, The Bolshoi Ballet, started in 1776

Some Russian folk crafts include lace making, lacquer painting ,wood carving, and nested dolls.

Geography

At 6,601,668 square miles (17,098,242 square kilometers), Russia is the largest country in the world.

The deepest freshwater lake(Baikal), and four of the largest rivers (Lena, Ob, Volga, and Yenisey) are in Russia.

Russia is mostly covered in plains, but most of the north is covered in a large frozen tundra.

Russia’s Asian and European side is divided by the low Ural Mountains.

Russia’s climate varies on the region. Winter typically last form November to March, but in

Siberia it can last for up to nine months.

Customs

Visiting and having guest is common. When visiting it is common to give gifts. For casual visits, it is common to give, but not required, to

bring simple gifts. The friendship shown is more important than receiving a

gift. In Russia, one eats with a fork in their left hand and a

knife in their right. People are to keep their hands above the table rather than

on their lap. When entertaining, more food than can be eaten is made

to indicate that there is an abundance of food in the house.

When finished with the meal, guest show that they have eaten well by leaving some food on their plate.

Holidays

The most celebrated holiday is New Years Almost everyone decorates a New Years tree. This is the time of year when Grandfather Frost leaves

presents for children. May 9 is Victory day commemorates the end of WWII,

which is important to most Russians Since 1991, Russian Independence Day( June 12) has

been celebrated. Every profession has its own holiday.

School

Children are required to attend school from ages 6 to 17.

Due to the lack of money, schools lack supplies, facilities, and other necessary tools.

If students have other special interest, they attend other schools for music, dance, and other hobbies.

Economy

Russia has many natural resources (oil, natural gas, coal, timber).

Despite its abundant natural resources, Russia still struggles economically.

40% of Russians live in poverty. The currency is the ruble. When short on money, people trade

items or jobs for another.

Fun Facts

According to tradition, if someone steps on your toes accidently, you have to step on there feet. If not most likely a fight will beak out.

During the 17th and 18th Century, during Peter the Great’s rule, men were required to shave off their beard or be taxed.

In Russia, it is believed unlucky if one shakes hands through a door way.