Russian culture

Russians and their homeland

Russian culture places a high value on the homeland and on family. The Soviet rule left its
impression on the culture, creating a fundamental fear and mistrust of those outside the family.

Mayor Cities
Moscow: Is the largest city and capital of Russia. It is also home to over 12 million inhabitants.
Home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Red Square, and the Saint Basil's
Cathedral and the Moscow Kremlin, of which the latter serves as the seat of power of the
Government of Russia.
St. Petersburg: Was formerly known as Petrograd (1914–1924) and later Leningrad (1924–
1991). It is the second largest city of Russia and was founded by its name giver Peter the great.
Hence it also served as a capital of the Tsardom of Russia. Saint Petersburg is home to the
Hermitage, one of the largest art museums in the world, as well as several palaces and the
Lakhta Center, the tallest skyscraper in Europe.

Languages
More than 100 minority languages are spoken in Russia today. The most popular is Dolgang,
spoken by more than 5.3 percent of the country's population. Other minority languages include
Tartar, Ukrainian, Chuvash, Bashir, Mordvin and Chechen.

Religion
There are nearly 5,000 registered religious associations in Russia. More than half follow the
Russian Orthodox Church, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian
Federation.

Arts and literature

Ballet is a popular notable art form coming out of Russia.
As well as other world-renowned artists:
 ■ Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake, 1812 Overture, etc.
■ Leon Tolstoy: Anna Karenina, War and Peace, etc.
■ Fyodor Dostoevsky: Crime and Punishment, Brothers Karamazov

Culture and architecture

■ Matrioshka dolls
■ Onion Domes
■ Wooden churches
■ Monstrous soviet blocks

Foods and drinks

■ Borscht, beet soup with vegetables and meat
■ Smetana, sour cream
■ Pirozhkis, filled buns
■ Caviar, traditionally from the sturgeon
■ Blini, pancakes filled with several ingredients
■ Vodka

Folklore & holidays

■ Rich tradition of Slavic myths such as the Baba Yaga and Fire Bird
■ Ancient pagan roots
■ Christmas on 7th Jan. or 25th Dec.
■ Russia Day or initially Independence Day on June 12th