Russia Facts & Information

Location	Northern Asia, bordering the Arctic Ocean, between Europe and the North Pacific Ocean
Climate	Ranges from steppes in the south through humid continental in much of European Russia; subarctic in Siberia to tundra climate in the polar north; winters vary from cool along Black Sea coast to frigid in Siberia; summers vary from warm in the steppes to cool along Arctic coast
Terrain	Broad plain with low hills west of Urals; vast coniferous forest and tundra in Siberia; uplands and mountains along southern border regions
Population	143,420,309
Nationality	Russian
Ethnic groups	Russian 79.8%, Tatar 3.8%, Ukrainian 2%, Bashkir 1.2%, Chuvash 1.1%
Religions	Russian Orthodox, Muslim
Languages	Russian
Government Type	Federation
Capital	Moscow
Currency	Russian ruble (RUR)
Description of Flag	Three equal horizontal bands of white, blue, and red.
Russia Flag

More Information
 www.cia.gov

Moscow Culture

their country has more than 1,000 years on America and communism was a small blip on its history.

Most Russians are very friendly toward Americans if you make an effort to be kind to them. If you meet a Russian who knows a little English, it is likely they will want to practice the language as much as they can. Many teens and young adults are nearly fluent and will help you find hotels, good shopping deals and restaurants. Older Russians are more likely to ignore you if you try to speak with them. Even if you know how to speak some Russian, a babushka (old woman) or dedushka (old man) is more likely to keep walking than stop to help.

The best way to earn a Russians respect is to try your best to blend in. Wearing American brand name clothing with English across the chest is a good way to get a patronizing look from any Moscow resident. Study the basics of the language and the layout of the city before you arrive so you can make a good impression. Russians are generally patient with a tourist if you make an honest effort to communicate.

Keep in mind the generation gap. Younger Russians spend their days at Internet cafes (available throughout the city), shopping malls, movie theaters and at school. Older Russians will buy produce at the outdoor markets and live a very modest life generally. Treat each group accordingly and you will be fine.

More Information:
 www.state.gov

Moscow Shopping

Obviously you should have some command of Russian to shop in this manner.

The second type of shopping is in an open market. While you don’t need to understand Russian to shop here, you may end up paying more than you need to if you don’t know any of the language. The main practice is haggling. Don’t be afraid to ask for a better price, but remember that if you agree on a price, that’s almost as good as a written contract.

Everything from produce to the famous matrushka (nesting) dolls is open for haggling. If you know at least the numbers in Russian, you can escape a market without paying too much for your gifts and souvenirs. Famous markets like on the Arbat and around the Kremlin will be more expensive so you shouldn’t be afraid to shop around. Many entrepreneurs know at least a little English and some are completely fluent. Make sure you are aggressive in your bargaining, it is a tough place to find a deal. (Tip: A fuzzy Russian hat, famous in movies, is a good deal at around 250 rubles.)

Moscow Travel Guides
 Frommer's Moscow
 Lonely Planet Moscow
 Let's Go Moscow
 Fodors Moscow