TRAVEL ALL RUSSIA by Firebird Tours +1 (800) 884-1721 search Why Visit Russia You are here Home / Our Blog / Destination Focus: Russia / Why Visit Russia Last updated: 20.10.2020 Russia might not be high on everyone's list of holiday destinations - but it should be. It is one of the most extraordinary countries in the world, with an almost matchless depth of cultural and historical riches, and landscapes that have inspired artists and poets for generations. 6 Facts About Russia That Make It Worth Your Visit For so long, Russia was out of bounds under the Soviet system and many people still think of it as difficult and inaccessible. However, we are about to tell you otherwise. Russia has opened up tremendously, and those who have taken the plunge and traveled to the beautiful country come back with a wonderful treasure trove of memories - whether it is the glittering spires of St. Petersburg, the fabulous palaces of the Tsars or simply the haunting and unique landscape of the steppes (don't take our words for granted and read real travelers reviews). Below you will find the main reasons why the largest country in the world is worth a visit. Quick Russia Facts Capital: Moscow Currency: Russian ruble (RUB) Population: 144.5 million (2018) Biggest cities: Capital Moscow, St. Petersburg, Nobosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, Nizhny Novgorod 1. Facts about Russian geography The largest country in the world, Russia constitutes one-seventh of the world's landmass and spans eight time zones. If relative values don't work for you, consider this: Pluto has a surface area of 16.6 million km2. Russia has 17 million km2! This expansive area allows it to neighbor more countries than anywhere else on earth, as well as touch twenty-two bodies of water and hold twelve seas within its borders. Its vast and complicated array of landscapes has created a diverse blend of forty national parks alongside its forty UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. Here you can find the oldest mountains in the world, the Urals, and the deepest lake in the world, Lake Baikal. 2. Facts about Russian culture Russia's biggest cities have social lives comparable to New York's vibrant scene. In regard to the arts, Russia has always occupied a prominent spot on the world scene. The Bolshoi Theater and Pushkin Art Gallery in Moscow, the Mariinsky Theater and the Hermitage in St. Petersburg – these are considered to be some of the best art institutions in the world. Cultural St. Petersburg: 2,000 Libraries 221 Museums 100 Concert halls 45 Art galleries 62 movie theaters 80 night clubs 100 concerts, shows & festivals each year 3. Facts about Russian history First thing's first, Russian history spans for more than 1,150 years. Formed by the merging of Viking military leadership with the dreams and ambitions of a people who commanded the great trading routes of Eastern Europe, it is no great surprise that today it is the world’s largest country. Quick historical numbers: Throughout its troubled history Russia was involved in 100+ wars and conflicts, was ruled by more than 120 leaders (grand princes, tsars, and other monarchs), built the world's longest railroad, and was the first country to send human into space. 4. Facts about Russian language The official language in Russia is (shockingly) Russian. This language uses the Cyrillic alphabet instead of Latin and is one of the five most spoken languages in the world. Many of the Cyrillic characters look backward or upside down and are seemingly switched around. What looks like a "р" is really the equivalent of a Latin "r". What looks like a "в" is really the equivalent of a Latin "v" and what looks like an "н" is really the equivalent of a Latin "n". TIP: Not many locals in Russia, speak English. We always suggest to learn a few basic Russian phrases before your trip! 5. Facts about Russian people Moscow alone claims twelve million citizens, standing as the largest city in Europe. St. Petersburg boasts less than half of that, with a mere five million residents. 1 out of 4 Russians is retired, with the average age being 30 years old and it's growing every year. The normal Russian family consists of three people. 145,5 million of Russians Russia has a population of 145.5 million people, 80% of whom reside in Western Russia and two-thirds of whom live in cities. 6. Facts about Russian weather Because of its size, Russia presents a drastically different atmosphere depending on your location. Most of the country has a continental climate with distinct periods of warm and cold weather that increases as you travel east. Temperatures for Moscow and St. Petersburg range from highs of 32°C in the summer to lows of -25°C in the winter. Sounds like the cold? Not for those living in Omyakon village where the world's lowest temperature of -71.2°C was recorded. Southern regions like Sochi are popular resort destinations with a mild subtropical climate. Best Russian Tour Packages Private and Small Group Tours Our websites: Our websites: Firebird Tours Triptile Rail.Ninja Russian Trains +1 (800) 884-1721 TRIP SURVEY TOURS TO RUSSIA Moscow & St. Petersburg Small Group Tours Private Tour Packages Trans-Siberian Trips Russian River Cruises Moscow Tour Packages St. Petersburg Tours All Russia Tours TRIP PLANNER Why Travel to Russia Best Time to Visit Russia Russian Visa Information Tips Before Traveling Tips on Arrival Russian Currency Moscow Travel Guide Read More in Our Blog TOP SIGHTS IN RUSSIA Hermitage Museum Church of the Savior on Blood The Kremlin Sergiev Posad, Golden Ring Kizhi Island The Red Square Siberia Lake Baikal Firebird Tours ®, LLC 401 E. Las Olas Blvd, Suite 1400, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301, USA. Firebird Tours PTY 33 Eden Elm Street, Calamvale, Queensland, 4116, Australia. Arsia AG Neugasse 23, 6300 Zug, Switzerland. Arsia Limited 103, Block South 2, Fort Cambridge, Tigne Street, Sliema, SLM3175, Malta. 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