A Quick Guide to Russia +
Russia is the land of vivid contrasts, vast landscapes and most beautiful women. Time never stands still in this country. Russia has been constantly changing and reshaping itself both geographically and sociologically throughout the history and it still does. Often referred to as the bridge between the East and the West, Russia is home to a wide variety of cultures and traditions, beliefs and lifestyles contrasting and complementing each other to make up one of the most diverse countries in the world that never ceases to amaze with its mysteries.
Country Profile
Geography
Russia (official name Russian Federation) is the world’s largest country with the territory almost twice the size of the USA. One fourth of the country is located in Europe, the rest of the Russian territory lies in Northern Asia. The capital is Moscow; the second largest city and a major cultural center is St. Petersburg (often referred to as the Northern Capital).
Climate
Russian climate can get pretty extreme. Its severe winters are famous for having saved the country from foreign invaders quite a number of times. But in fact the harshness of Russian winter is a bit exaggerated. If you have warm clothes on, you have all the chances not only to survive, but also to enjoy the winter in Russia. Due to the vastness of territory, there is a wide range of temperatures in summer and winter accompanied by relatively low precipitation. Average January temperatures range from -8°C for St. Petersburg to -43°C in Yakutsk. Summer temperatures are in the average of 20°C for southernmost areas.
People
The population of Russia equals about 147.5 million people with three forth of them living in the European part of the country. Ethnic Russians account for about 81%, but there are also representatives of more than 120 other ethnic groups including Ukrainians, Belarusians, Poles, Tatars, Jews, Germans and Caucasians. Though the official language is Russian, ethnic minorities speak their own languages alongside with Russian, follow various religions and observe their traditions.
Russian Women
Russian women are believed to be the most beautiful in the world. Tall and long legged with almond eyes and enchanting smile they seem to be the best thing Russia has got. Though it sounds as too much of a generalization, this is most often true to life. As for their character, it’s much more difficult to describe.
Traditional morals are quite strong with Russian women, especially when it comes to relationship with men. Although Russian women are often somewhat of a ‘fighter’ (self-confident and ready to affirm themselves) at work and in everyday life, they expect nurturing and protection on the part of men. The desire to succeed in life has no power over their thirst for romantic feelings.
