1. Landload of Superlatives
Russia is the largest country in the world, spanning over 17,098,242 square kilometers. This makes it nearly twice the size of the second largest country, Canada. It occupies more than one-eighth of the total inhabited land area on Earth.
2. An Enormous Number of Time Zones
Although this has changed slightly due to recent legislation, traditionally, Russia has spanned 11 time zones. Currently, however, it officially has nine time zones. This is still more than any other country in the world.
3. The Deepest Lake in the World
Known to be the deepest and oldest lake in the world, Lake Baikal, located in Siberia, holds about 20% of the world’s fresh water. Its maximum depth is a staggering 5,387 feet.
4. Cross-Country Railroads
Russia is home to the longest railway in the world, the Trans-Siberian Railway. This impressive railway stretches over 9,289 kilometers and connects Moscow with the Russian Far East, including Vladivostok.
5. Metropolitan Magic
Moscow's Metro is a masterpiece of art and architecture. Not only does it serve more than 9 million people daily, but its ornate stations are often compared to palaces for their exquisite design and artwork.
6. Exotic Wildlife
Russia is one of the most biodiverse countries globally, with more than 266 mammal species and 780 bird species. It is home to bears, Arctic foxes, Siberian tigers, and Amur leopards.
7. World’s Largest McDonald’s
The biggest McDonald's in the world, in terms of seating capacity, can be found in Moscow. It boasts of nearly 700 seats. The restaurant is also one of the busiest, serving over 20,000 people each day.
8. Heavy Producers of Oil and Gas
Russia is one of the top oil and gas producers in the world. It holds the world’s largest natural gas reserves, second-largest coal reserves, and the eighth-largest oil reserves.
9. Intense Winters
The village of Oymyakon in Russia is known as the coldest inhabited place on Earth. The temperature here can drop to a bone-chilling -68 degrees Celsius.
10. Las Vegas of the East
The city of Azov-City in Russia is often referred to as the 'Las Vegas of the East.’ It is Russia’s first ever gambling zone, and it attracts tourists from all around the world.
11. Domination of the North Pole
Russia is the only country in the world with nuclear icebreakers. These massive ships allow it to control access to the Arctic, which is expected to get increasingly important as climate change opens up new navigation routes.
12. Mind-boggling Matryoshka
The largest matryoshka, or Russian nesting doll, was made in 1970 and consisted of 72 dolls within dolls. It is currently on display in Japan.
13. Massive Museums
Russia is home to the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, one of the world's largest and oldest art and culture museums. It storehouse of more than 3 million pieces of artwork.
14. A Graveyard of Languages
Russia is home to over 100 different ethnic groups and indigenous people, leading to over 100 languages spoken in the country. However, the state language is Russian.
15. Vodka, the National Drink
Vodka is the most popular alcoholic drink in Russia. The spirit, whose name comes from the Russian word "voda" meaning water, was first produced in Russia in the 14th century.
16. Extended Daylight
During the summer, some Russian cities experience what is known as the 'White Nights' - periods when the sun does not set for nearly 24 hours a day.
17. Furry Fines
In the mid-17th century, Peter the Great introduced a beard tax in Russia. Men who wanted to keep their beards had to pay a tax and carry a coin as proof of their payment and as permit for their beard.
18. Surprising Superstitious Beliefs
Russian people have several unique superstitions. One of them is that it’s bad luck to return home for something you’ve forgotten. If you have to go back, you should look in a mirror before leaving again, for the second time.
19. Educational Superiority
Russia boasts a 99.7% literacy rate, which is one of the highest in the world. The country has a free education system, which is guaranteed for all citizens by the Constitution.
20. Chilling Challenges
Russians love ice swimming, especially as part of the celebrations for the Orthodox Epiphany on January 19. They cut holes in the ice of lakes and rivers, often in the shape of a cross, to dip three times in the freezing water.