Every year millions of tourists flock to Russia to witness its grandeur, culture, and rich heritage. As opposed to western propaganda, Russia is a modern thinking nation. There is a lot about this country which will surprise you. Throughout the country you will find beautiful architecture, delicious cuisines, and people that are friendly to travelers. In case if you haven’t been to this amazing country then it is time to head to Russia, or put it on top of your bucket list.
In this blog we have listed some of the most interesting facts about Russia, that you might not have heard about. Of all things this country deserves to be a part of your Trivia Night. We also bet that after knowing these facts, you will immediately be looking for flights to this amazing country.
1 – Trans Siberian railway line is the world’s longest railways
Russia is home to the world’s longest railways. We are talking about the Trans Siberian Railways, which spans a length of more than 5000 Miles. A trip on this world popular route is by all means unforgettable. The landscapes and country side you will get to see will be etched in your memories forever. The Trans Siberian railway line connects Moscow and Vladivostock the two ends of this grand country. It is estimated that Trans Siberian Railways was built in a span of more than 25 years. The railway line also extends up to Mongolia and China, in case if you have extensive travel plans.
2 – Geographically, Russia is the world’s largest country
Russia is the largest country in the world in terms of geographical size. It consists of more than 80 provinces. The country falls under 9 different time zones. We all have heard about the Kremlin in Moscow, but did you know that Kremlin is the world’s largest medieval fortified complex. Kremlin is also home to world’s largest church bell and it also has the biggest cannon of the world.
3 – Saint Petersburg has world’s deepest metro line
The metro line in Saint Petersburg is known to be the deepest metro line in the world. The steepest depth of this subway system is estimated to be 86 meters. The city of Saint Petersburg also has another interesting fact to its name. The city is the northern most town of the world that has a population of over 1 Million. Did you just say cold?
4 – Russia has one of the busiest metro lines in the world
Russia is also known to have one of the busiest metro lines in the world. The Moscow Metro station is known to be the fourth busiest metro network in the world, just after Tokyo, Seoul, and Shanghai. It is estimated that more than 2 billion people ride every year in metro lines of Russia. You might be surprised to know that total population of Moscow is 12 Million and 9 Million people in Moscow take metro rides every day. Moscow Metro stations are also regarded as one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world.
5 – Lake Baikal is the world’s largest and deepest lake in the world
Lake Baikal which is located in Russia is known to be the largest and deepest lake in the world. It is estimated that this lake holds 20 percent of the world’s entire fresh water. The amount of water it holds is more than water held by the combined great lakes of America. It is estimated that the lake is home to more than 1700 species of plants and aquatic lives, out of which two third are found nowhere else.
6 – Coldest place on earth is in Russia
Oymyakon which is located in Russia is known to be the coldest place on earth. The place records an average temperature of -58 degrees Fahrenheit and the coldest temperature recorded in this city was -96 degrees Fahrenheit.
7 – Biggest river in the world is in Russia
River Volga which flows through Russia is known to be the biggest river in the world. Mount Elbrus which is located in Russia is the highest mountain of Europe.
8 – World’s most polluted city is in Russia
This might not be something to brag about but the world’s most polluted city is located in Russia. The city goes by the name of Norilsk and faces acute pollution problem of heavy metals. In the city of Norilsk you can actually mine metals from its ordinary soil.
9 – Russia is home to many traditional folk dances
Russia is unarguably very rich when it comes to cultures. The Russian people have deep penetration of its cultural norms in their routine life. The country is known to be the home of many traditional folk dances. Some of the popular traditional folk dances of Russia are Khorovod, Tatar, Karelian, Chechotka, and they celebrated extensively by Russians.
10 – It has produced some of the world’s finest authors and writers
Literature is highly celebrated in Russia. The country is home to many world renowned authors and writers. Many of them even have museum dedicated to their works, which serve as a great place to learn about Russian Literature. Most of these museums are located in bigger cities like Moscow and Saint Petersburg. Some of the renowned authors of Russia include Alexander Pushkin, Vladimir Nabokov, Fyodor Dostoevsky, Leo Tolstoy and Anton Chekhov.
11 – Alaska was sold to United States by Russia
Russian empire at its peak time was very powerful, to an extent that they had conquered the western part of American even before their European counterparts. Alaska which is an American territory was once a part of Russia. In 1867 Alaska was sold to United States with a rate of 2 cents per acre. In today’s economy the price of Alaska would be 120 Million Dollars. At the time of this purchase, Congress of America was ridiculed, but later on it was regarded as the smartest land acquisition of American history.
12 – It has a literacy rate of more than 99%
Literacy rate in Russia is more than 99%. This is the size of population that can read and write by the age of 15. Russian language follows the Cryillic alphabet instead of Latin alphabet. It is also noteworthy that Russian language is one of the top five most spoken languages in the world.
13 – There is a national Sex Day in Russia
It might sound strange but Russia also celebrates a National Sex Day. It is also known by the name of Procreation Day or Day of Conception. The origins of this day trace back to the region of Ulyanovsk which is also the birthplace of Lenin. On this day, Russian workers are encouraged to take a day off and engage in making babies.
14 – Russian people are very superstitious
Russians are also known to be superstitious people. One of the most common superstitions they have is to give flowers to any person in odd number. They believe that flowers in even numbers are only for the cemetery. Another superstition they follow is that not to wear clothes inside out, as by doing so they believe the person would be beaten.
15 – Saint Petersburg is also known as Venice of the North
Saint Petersburg is also known as the Venice of North. It was founded by the monarch as an attempt for it to become a New Amsterdam. In present times the city has a network of more than 60 different channels, with more than 500 bridges. The city is also known for its amazing architecture, and the city centre is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
16 – Moscow has world’s largest number of billionaires living in a city
Moscow the capital city of Russia has the largest number of billionaire that live in a city. In present times there are more than 70 Billionaires that live in Moscow. Russia is also the eighth largest economy of the world.
17 – Russians drink a lot of tea
We all have known Russia to be a country of people that binge on drinking especially vodka. It is true in some senses. On an average a Russian consumes more than 18 liters of alcohol. To surprise you even further Russians drink a lot of tea, which could amount to 5 to 10 cups a day. They primarily prefer black tea, but in present times green tea consumption is also catching up pace.
18 – Russia has the world’s largest number of nuclear weapons held by a country
Often people regard United States of America as the most powerful country in the world, but when it comes to military might, Russia has its own place reserved for it. It is estimated that Russia is home to more than 8000 nuclear weapons which is the largest number of nuclear weapons held by any country.
19 – Game of Tetris was built in Russia
Our childhood is full of memories of playing those video games, but did you know that the game of Tetris was computed by a Russian named Alexey Pajitnov in the year of 1984. In a very short span of time the game became very popular and spread to the rest of the world.
20 – Russians practice not to smile without a reason
Another Russian fact that might surprise you is that Russians practice to not smile without a reason. It is said in Russian that ‘Only fools laugh and smile without a reason’. Russians believe that smiling without a reason is an act of weakness and not being able to show your true feelings. Do not be surprised if you do not find Russians smiling at you while walking the streets, instead they reserve it for friends, family.
21 – Russians were pioneer in space exploration
Russians are proud about their country, and they also feel pride that their country has made such great progress in space exploration. Yuri Gagarin was the first person to travel in space, and is still regarded as a national hero. He also has many streets to his name in the country. In Russia even smaller towns have space museums, and it’s still a dream of many Russian kids to become an astronaut. It is also noteworthy that there are two official languages in International Space Station, English and Russian.
22 – Russian Army played an important role in defeating Nazis in WWII
In World War II Russia played an important role in defeating Adolf Hitler. It was 20 Million Russian soldiers that laid their lives to defeat the Nazis. If it weren’t the red army, then outcome of the war would have been very different and Nazis would have been a strong enemy to defeat.
23 – Russia has more than 600 billion trees
It is estimated that 20 percent of the total trees in the world are in Russia. If you like wilderness and are a nature lover then Russia is the spot. By that calculation Russia is home to more than 600 Billion trees.
24 – Lenin Monuments and Lenin Streets are very common in Russia
It is estimated that there are more than 7000 Lenin Monuments in Russia, and you will find hundreds of them in Moscow itself. Lenin is so popular in Russia that their small towns are known to have the main street of their city centre to be named as Lenin Street by default.
25 – AK 47 was made by Russia
The Kalashnikov Rifle was made by Russia. AK 47 is the most popular military rifle in the world. It is estimated that more than 100 Million AK 47 were made in Russia since 1947.
Russia is a cool travel idea!
Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good.