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Russia in 10 Minutes
Introduction
Vladimir Putin
Anastasia Romanov
Alexander Pushkin
Yuri Gagarin
Catherine the Great
1. Geography
2. History
3. Culture
4. Economy
5. Politics
6. Relations with other countries
7. Military
8. Natural resources
9. Climate
10. Tourism
In a Nutshell
- Capital: Moscow
- Population: Approx. 145 million (2021)
- Official Language: Russian
- Currency: Russian Ruble (RUB)
Breaking Down the Country
Landscapes & Nature
From the vast Siberian wilderness to the stunning Lake Baikal, Russia is a land of diverse ecosystems and breathtaking natural beauty.
Cultural Heritage
Explore Russia's rich cultural tapestry, from iconic landmarks like the Kremlin and Red Square to its renowned ballet and literature traditions.
Historical Legacy
Delve into Russia's complex history, from the reign of the Tsars to the Soviet era and beyond, shaping the country's identity and global influence.
Timeline of Russia
Rurik dynasty establishes the Kievan Rus' state
Mongol invasion and occupation of Russia
Ivan the Terrible becomes the first Tsar of Russia
Time of Troubles in Russia
Peter the Great becomes Tsar of Russia
Foundation of St. Petersburg
Reign of Catherine the Great
Decembrist Revolt in Russia
Crimean War between Russia and an alliance of France, Britain, and the Ottoman Empire
Emancipation of the serfs in Russia
Russian Revolution of 1905
Russian Revolution of 1917
Russian Civil War
Formation of the Soviet Union
Stalin's Great Purge in the Soviet Union
German invasion of the Soviet Union in World War II
End of World War II and beginning of the Cold War
Dissolution of the Soviet Union
Vladimir Putin becomes President of Russia
Annexation of Crimea by Russia
Vocabulary List
- Kremlin
- The Kremlin is the official residence of the President of Russia.
- Matryoshka
- Matryoshka dolls are a popular Russian souvenir, also known as nesting dolls.
- Babushka
- A babushka is a traditional Russian headscarf worn by older women.
- Sputnik
- Sputnik was the first artificial satellite launched into space by the Soviet Union.
- Borscht
- Borscht is a traditional Russian soup made with beets and other vegetables.
- Perestroika
- Perestroika was a political movement in the Soviet Union in the 1980s led by Mikhail Gorbachev.
- Tolstoy
- Leo Tolstoy was a famous Russian author known for his novels War and Peace and Anna Karenina.
- Balalaika
- The balalaika is a traditional Russian stringed musical instrument.
- Dacha
- A dacha is a Russian country house often used as a vacation home.
- Gulag
- The Gulag was a system of forced labor camps in the Soviet Union.
Key Facts
This is the information used in the fact matching game
- Russia is the largest country in the world by land area.
- The official language of Russia is Russian.
- Russia is home to the world's deepest lake, Lake Baikal.
- The Trans-Siberian Railway is the longest railway line in the world, stretching over 9,000 kilometers.
- Russia is one of the world's largest producers of oil and natural gas.
- The Kremlin in Moscow is the official residence of the President of Russia.
- Russia has a mixed economy with both state-owned and privately owned enterprises.
- The Russian flag consists of three horizontal stripes: white, blue, and red.
- Russia is a member of the United Nations Security Council.
- The currency used in Russia is the Russian ruble.
- The Russian Federation is made up of 85 federal subjects, including republics, territories, and regions.
- Vodka is a popular alcoholic beverage in Russia.
- The Russian Revolution of 1917 led to the overthrow of the Tsarist autocracy and the establishment of the Soviet Union.
- Russia is a permanent member of the G20 group of major economies.
- The Russian Space Agency, Roscosmos, is one of the leading space agencies in the world.
- The Russian national anthem is called 'State Anthem of the Russian Federation'.
- Russia has a rich cultural heritage, including literature, music, ballet, and art.
- The Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg is one of the largest and oldest museums in the world.
- Russia has a continental climate with long, cold winters and short, warm summers.
- The Russian military is one of the largest and most powerful in the world.
Why It Matters
Geopolitical Significance
Russia’s vast landmass spans Eastern Europe and Northern Asia, making it a key player in global politics. Its position as a Eurasian power influences relationships with neighboring countries and major world powers, shaping international dynamics and security concerns.
Historical Importance
With a history dating back centuries, Russia has played a pivotal role in shaping European and world history. From the rise of the Tsars to the Soviet era, its influence on culture, science, and politics has been profound and continues to impact global affairs.
Modern-Day Role
As a major player in the global economy and politics, Russia’s actions on the world stage have far-reaching implications. Its involvement in conflicts, energy resources, and diplomatic relations continue to shape international relations and the balance of power.
Russia Games
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