Fun Facts About Russia | Things You Didn't Know!

Check out all the fascinating facts and tidbits about Russia right here. We’ve gathered everything we could find on various trips, and you can explore the findings below.

Size: Stretching over an awe-inspiring 6.6 million square miles, Russia looms like a colossal giant, practically a continent in its own right.
Time Zones: With its vast expanse, Russia spans no less than eleven time zones, showcasing a geographical feast that’s both perplexing and intriguing. When the day starts in the west, the east still clings to the night.
Name Origin: The name ‘Russia’ comes from ‘Rus,’ a term so medieval it almost smells of old books and dusty taverns. It refers to a region that was once a cradle not just of modern-day Russia but also of Belarus, parts of Poland, and northern Ukraine.
Outlets: The outlets are type C and F. So you do need a travel adapter for Russia.
Historical Empire: Long before our modern timelines, the shadows of the Mongol Empire stretched across what is now Russia, a legacy of conquest and influence that dramatically altered the course of history.
Soviet Union: From the 1917 revolution until the end of 1991, Russia was the beating heart of the Soviet Union, a nation where experiments with society and power took place on an unprecedented scale.
Commonwealth: In today’s geopolitical dance, the Russian Federation is part of the Commonwealth of Independent States, maintaining a customs union with countries like Belarus and Kazakhstan, nodding to old alliances and new economic realities.
Population: Despite its grand landscapes, it’s home to about 145 million people, 70% of whom live in the European part.
Cities: Moscow has about 11.5 million residents and remains the largest city, a place where history and modernity are in a perpetual embrace. St. Petersburg follows, with its tsarist splendor.
Geographic Diversity: Russia is a land of both salt and sweet, bordered by 13 seas and lakes like the deep Baikal, basking in its status as the world’s deepest lake.
Climate: The country is famed for its harsh winters, with temperatures in some parts of Siberia plummeting to a biting -58°F.

Politics: With a presidential system supported by a bicameral parliament, Russia navigates the complex waters of a multiparty system and elections that are not without controversy.
Sports: If sports are a mirror of ambition, then Russia reflects a longing for greatness, ranking among the world’s top in the number of Olympic gold medals.
Population Density: Although it might seem one of the most densely populated countries on paper, the reality of Russia is one of vast emptiness. With a population density that barely makes an echo in its sprawling landscapes, it’s a place where silence sometimes speaks loudest.
Ethnic Diversity: Russia is a mosaic of about 160 different ethnic groups, from Russians to Tatars and from Ukrainians to Bashkirs, each contributing to the nation’s rich cultural heritage.
Female Surplus: In an intriguing demographic twist, Russia has a significant female surplus, particularly noticeable above the age of 55.
Post-Soviet Transformation: Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia has undergone a turbulent transition to a market economy, a process that has been anything but smooth. The shift from strictly controlled communism to capitalism has profoundly altered both the economic and social fabric.
Low Population Density: Despite its significant total population, Russia has a relatively low population density.
Prosperity in Moscow: At the heart of Russia, unparalleled wealth pulsates, with 74 billionaires gracing its streets in 2023.
Trans-Siberian Railway: This legendary railway, the world’s longest, stretches from Moscow to Vladivostok over 5,772 miles.
Lake Baikal: In the realm of Siberia lies Lake Baikal, the deepest and oldest freshwater lake in the world.
Active Volcanoes: With 12 active volcanoes on its territory, including the Klyuchevskaya Sopka, Russia showcases its untamed natural power. This volcano alone has had 50 major eruptions in the last 270 years.
St. Petersburg Metro: The world’s deepest metro network is located in St. Petersburg, with stations that lie an average of 328 feet below the city.
Oymyakon: This village in Siberia holds the title of the coldest permanently inhabited place on earth, with temperatures dropping to a nearly unthinkable -96.2°F.
Family Values: In Russia, family is a cornerstone of society, with grandparents often playing a central role in upbringing and extended family ties deeply woven into daily life.
Matryoshka Dolls: These Russian nesting dolls are not only popular as souvenirs but also symbolize the layers of Russian culture, where stories and generations flow into each other like the dolls fitting together.
Flag and Symbolism: The Russian flag, with its horizontal bands of white, blue, and red, embodies the ideals of nobility, heaven, and courage.

National Anthem: Adopted in 2000, the Russian national anthem, “Gosudarstvenny Gimn Rossiyskoy Federatsii,” carries the melodic tones of Alexander Alexandrov.
Hermitage Museum: Located in St. Petersburg, this is one of the largest and oldest museums in the world, boasting a collection of over 3 million items.
Russian Orthodox Church: With over 150 million followers worldwide, the Russian Orthodox Church is one of the largest Christian denominations.
Literary Tradition: Russia’s contribution to world literature is unparalleled, with masterpieces from authors such as Alexander Pushkin, Fyodor Dostoevsky, Leo Tolstoy, and Anton Chekhov.
Space Exploration: Russia’s space program has amazed the world, from launching the first human, Yuri Gagarin, into space in 1961, to deploying the first artificial satellite, Sputnik 1, in 1957. These achievements have not only pushed the boundaries of human exploration but have also secured Russia a permanent place in space history.
Russian Language: With over 258 million native speakers and 150 million who speak it as a second language, Russian is one of the most spoken languages in the world.
Ballet Tradition: Russia is synonymous with ballet, featuring iconic companies such as the Bolshoi Ballet and the Mariinsky Ballet. These institutions have elevated the art form to new heights and continue to set global standards for excellence and artistic expression.
Folk Music and Instruments: Traditional Russian folk music, featuring distinctive instruments like the balalaika and the domra, is a vibrant expression of the national spirit and cultural identity. This music is both a celebration of the past and a continual inspiration for future generations.

Those are all the cool facts we’ve managed to collect. Know any more? Be sure to let us know!