Russia
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Capital
Moscow
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Local time
22:54
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Population
146.7 m
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Driving side
Right
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Calling code
+7
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Currency
₽ RUB (ruble)
Russia
-
Capital
Moscow
-
Local time
22:54
-
Population
146.7 m
-
Driving side
Right
-
Calling code
+7
-
Currency
₽ RUB (ruble)
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Average Salary
$ 810
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Petrol price
€ 0.81 pl
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Precipitation
460mm /year
Geography & travel
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Country Area
17 100 000 km2
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Protected Area
11%
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Forest Area
50%
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Agricultural area
13%
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Railways
85262km
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Annual air passengers
77.46 m
Population
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Ethnicity
Russian - 79 %
Tatar - 3 %
Ukrainian - 2 %
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Religion
Russian Orthodox - 20 %
other Christian - 2 %
other Christian - 2 %
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Literacy rates
99.7%
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Languages
Russian
many minor languages
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Armed Forces
1 490 000
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Murders
11 per 100k
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Alcohol consumption
14.5 l/person
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Smoking
59%
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Diabetes
9.2%
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Tuberculosis
80 per 100k
Economy
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Industries
coal, oil, gas, chemicals, metals, aircraft and space vehicles, defense industries including radar, missile production
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Agriculture
grain, sugar beets, sunflower seed, vegetables, fruits, beef, milk
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Natural Resources
oil, natural gas, coal, many strategic minerals, rare earth elements, timber
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Energy Import
-83%
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Natural Resources
oil, natural gas, coal, many strategic minerals, rare earth elements, timber
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Renewable Energy
3%
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CO2 Emissions
1 705 346kt
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Ease of Business
35 (Best=1, Worst=200)
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ATMs per 100k people
173
What not to do when visiting Russia
Russia Don’t forget the typical greeting is a firm, almost bone-crushing handshake while maintaining direct eye contact (men). Friends may kiss on the cheek three times or pat each other on the back and hug.
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Russia Don't export art objects.
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Russia Don't give an even number of flowers to a Russian - traditionally, even bunches are taken to the graveside.
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Did you know?
Russia, in addition to being the largest country in the world, is also home to the largest subnational administrative division, Sakha Republic.
Russia Don't shake hands with your gloves on unless you want to insult person you're meeting.
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Russia Don't whistle indoors in Russia - superstition says those who whistle indoors are destined for bankruptcy. Better do that outside.
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Russia Don't look strange when having vodka - drink vodka neat, without ice or mixers.
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Russia Don't let a lady to carry all her bags, men are expected to be gallant - offering hand to woman getting off a bus, opening car doors, assisting in heavy lifting…
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Russia Don’t be surprised or offended when Russians lose their temper, walk out of the business meeting, or threaten to terminate the relationship - it’s an attempt to coerce you to change your position.
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Russia Don't ever make jokes about someone else's family member - it's disrespectful.
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Russia Don't give a gift of an empty wallet or purse - it's a bad luck. Make sure to put a little special inside.
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Russia Don't always smile without a reason - locals reserve smiling for friends or fun. To smile with no reason is a sign of a fool.
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Russia Don't leave empty bottles on table - it can be considered as bad luck.
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Russia Don't disrespect elderly unless you want to invoke wrath of several much younger and stronger people.
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Russia Don't sit on the corner of a table - it will bring you bad luck and you run the risk of staying forever alone.
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Russia Don't go empty-handed when visiting someone's house, bring a small gift - a bottle of wine, flowers, dessert or small toy for children.
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Tell us your experience
We love to hear from people who have travelled the world and know ‘what not to do’. Why not help other people on their travels?
Russia Don’t forget Russia recognises four ”historic” religions Orthodox Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism. Avoid making any religious ”missionary activity” without proper authorisation.
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Russia Don’t forget Russian law bans providing “the propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations” to minors.
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Russia Don’t give a baby gift until after the baby is born - it’s bad luck to do sooner.
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Russia Don't refuse a shot of drink when visiting someone's home.
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Russia Don't enter someone's home without removing your shoes.
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Russia Don't forget to negotiate taxi fare (with tip) before you ride.
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Eastern Europe Don't break the eye contact when proposing a toast. Some say if you look away, you're doomed to many years of bad sex.
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Eastern Europe Don't forget, saying "Thank you" to a service persons means 'Keep the change'.
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Europe Don’t forget to handshake when greeting (men). Women usually greet with light kisses on both cheeks (”air kisses” where you just touch cheeks and kiss the air), a handshake is common on first meeting. Eye contact is important.
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Europe Don't smack or slurp - it's not appreciated.
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Moscow Don't enter the Moscow centre with a dirty car.
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Europe Don't avoid eye contact business and personal conversations. It's a sign of courtesy.
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Europe Don't enter buses, trains or similar before everyone who wants to get out has done so.
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Tell us your experience
We love to hear from people who have travelled the world and know ‘what not to do’. Why not help other people on their travels?
Europe Don't forget to wear reflectors when riding a bike or walking at dark.
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