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RussiaKevin PattersonCountry InformationPopulation:141,837,976Religion: mix of Russian Orthodox, Muslim, and BuddhismRussia is the largest country in the worldRussias land is 1/7th of theWorlds landRussia covers 8 time zones

Other InformationThe origin of the flag is said to have come from Peter the Great.Russian currency is the Russian Ruble and is .0306 of a U.S. dollarRussias flag has 3 sectionsThe sections are white, blue, and redRussias flag is similar to Norway's

Things to know before travelingDue to civil and political unrest, the U.S. advises you not to go to North RussiaThere are still bombing and terrorist acts in North RussiaThe U.S. advises you not to drive at night and Russia has a zero-tolerance for alcoholThe U.S. embassy has had reports on attacks on U.S. citizens by skinheads or other extremistWhile visiting Russia, be alert to your surroundings, take the same precautions against assault, robbery, or pickpockets that you would take in any large U.S. cityA Few WordsHello-Goodbye- Thank You-Where is the bathroom?- ?I dont know- Making AppointmentsMake your appointments far in advance and do everything you can to avoid cancelationDont attempt to schedule your trip to Russia at the end of July or during the month of August, when that is the time families are taking vacationsThe Russian day begins early but it is difficult to foresee daily activities due to constant last minute changes.Allow time for each appointment, not only may the appointment start late, but they might last longer than plannedBusiness hours are generally 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Business DressRussian proverb-"they meet you depending on how you're dressed and they say good bye depending on how wise you seem.Russian families spend more money on their clothing than any families in the nationThose who cant afford the name brands prefer to dress in the cheaper but well made clothing, than the fake products throughout the countryIf youre a man your best bet will be to wear a suit or tie, but not the same one everydayJeans and sneakers can be accepted casual wearTopics of ConversationGood BadPoliticsChallenges of living in RussiaHistoryChildrenFeelings and hopes for the futureWorld War IIPersonal QuestionsCompliments Art (if you dont know the Russian artists)HolocaustCzar and monarchyreligionAddressing OthersOnly close friends address each other with the first nameAddressing yourself with your family name is acceptableLearn titles of everyone you meetRefer to new people with a Mr. or Mrs.Russians use date of birth to differentiate between people with the same namesAcceptable BehaviorEye contact is importantSmoking in public place is still a common occurrenceThe thumbs up is generally a good gestureWearing your coat and winter boats in public places such as the office and theater is unacceptableIts insulting to point at someone with your forefingerGift GivingRussians take pleasure in giving and receiving giftsCheaper gifts do not have to be wrapped but expensive ones shouldGifts for children are opened in private while adult gifts are opened in publicWhen invited to a Russian home bring a dessert giftFlowers for women are a good ideaNegotiatingYour business card should have a Russian side with the degrees you earned in collegeHave a contact outside of the negotiation who is an expert in Russian lawWhile you conduct your presentation in English, any promotional items should be in RussianRussians few compromises as a sign of weaknessPraising and rewarding someone in public is viewed with only suspicionEntertainingBusiness breakfast is not popular, instead business dining is becoming popularThe business dinner is usually the time for sealing the dealThe center seats are reserved for the more senior officialsDont begin eating until after the toastYour hands are expected to stay visible through the whole mealDiningChilled soups based on kvassKholodets- large boiled meat in soupBilini- pancakes usually eaten on festivalsMedovukha- sweet, low-alcoholic drinkPirozhki- stuffed piesConclusionRussians will expect you to be on timeThere are certain subjects you should never talk aboutAlways book your appointments ahead of time and try not to cancelAlways use Mr. or Mrs. until you know the title of the personKnow where your going, Russia is the largest country