Imagine all the fascinating and unexpected things that can happen in the world’s largest country, occupying one-seventh of the planet’s landmass! It’s no surprise that even those who call this vast land home may not know everything about it. In this collection, you’ll discover 20 captivating facts about Russia that remain little-known even to many locals.
Did you know that Russia spans 11 time zones, or that Lake Baikal holds one-fifth of the world’s fresh surface water? Dive into this list to uncover more intriguing surprises about this extraordinary nation! OK, Let’s start!
North Venice.
St. Petersburg boasts three times as many bridges as Venice, with an impressive network of canals and waterways. In fact, by sheer numbers, it might be more fitting to call Venice the “Southern St. Petersburg” rather than referring to St. Petersburg as the “Northern Venice.” This Russian city features over 800 bridges, many of which are drawbridges, adding charm and practicality to its intricate infrastructure. St. Petersburg’s bridges range from grand historical marvels to quaint pedestrian pathways, making the city a unique blend of elegance and utility.
The 13th Russian seas.
Russia is the only country in the world whose territory is bordered by 13 seas, spanning the Arctic, Atlantic, and Pacific Oceans. These seas include the Baltic, Black, Caspian, Barents, and Okhotsk, among others. This unique geographical feature highlights the vastness of Russia’s coastline and its strategic access to multiple maritime zones. The diversity of these seas—from icy Arctic waters to temperate southern shores—showcases the country’s remarkable ecological variety and economic importance, supporting industries such as fishing, shipping, and energy exploration.
Ural Mountains.
The Ural Mountains, stretching across Russia, are among the oldest mountain ranges on Earth. Near the village of Alexandrovka in the Kusa District lies Mount Karandash, estimated to be around 4 billion years old. Although it stands at just 600 meters (1,969 feet) today, its incredible age makes it a geological marvel. Over millennia, wind and water erosion have shaped it, yet its resilience highlights Earth’s dynamic history. The Urals also mark the natural boundary between Europe and Asia, adding cultural and geographical significance.
Moscow Kremlin.
The Moscow Kremlin is the largest surviving medieval fortress in the world. Its formidable walls stretch 2,235 meters (7,332 feet) in length, encompassing centuries of history within its boundaries. Built for defense, it now symbolizes Russian culture and political power. The Kremlin’s walls and towers, constructed in the late 15th century, feature intricate architectural details and have withstood the test of time. Beyond its historical significance, the site is home to iconic landmarks like the Grand Kremlin Palace and numerous cathedrals, making it a hub of heritage and artistry.
Siberia.
Siberia spans an immense 9.734 million square kilometers (3.76 million square miles), making up about 9% of all Earth’s landmass. To grasp its vastness, consider this: Siberia alone is larger than Canada, the world’s second-largest country by area. This region, rich in natural resources like oil, gas, and minerals, is also home to diverse ecosystems, from frozen tundras to dense taigas. Despite its size, Siberia remains one of the most sparsely populated areas on the planet, with rugged landscapes and extreme climates adding to its mystique.
Kalashnikov assault rifle.
The Kalashnikov rifle, famously known as the AK-47, holds the title as the most popular firearm globally. But here’s a surprising fact: there are more Kalashnikov rifles in circulation worldwide than all other assault rifles combined. Its legendary durability, simplicity, and effectiveness have made it a favorite across militaries, insurgent groups, and collectors. With an estimated 100 million units produced since its invention in 1947, the AK-47 has become not just a weapon but a cultural icon, even appearing on flags and emblems of certain nations and organizations.
Ivan the Terrible.
Contrary to popular belief, Ivan the Terrible was not as bloodthirsty as often portrayed. During his reign, he executed an estimated 3,000–4,000 individuals, significantly fewer than his European counterparts, who oversaw the deaths of 300,000–400,000 people over the same period. At that time, Russia and Europe were of similar size, making the disparity even more striking. Historians now suggest that Ivan’s legacy as a tyrant may have been exaggerated in Western narratives compared to the brutality seen in Europe’s monarchies during the same era.
Sushi.
Surprisingly, sushi—a traditional Japanese dish—is far more popular in Russia than in its homeland of Japan. In Russia, sushi has become a cultural phenomenon, with countless sushi bars and restaurants offering creative variations tailored to Russian tastes, like rolls with cream cheese or mayonnaise. In contrast, traditional sushi in Japan is a simpler, more refined experience often reserved for special occasions. The dish’s adaptability and appeal to Russian culinary preferences have transformed it into a staple of modern dining culture across the country.
Secret Cities.
In Russia, there are at least 15 so-called “secret cities” that are shrouded in mystery and heavily restricted. These cities, remnants of the Soviet era, are often tied to military research, nuclear projects, or other classified activities. They don’t appear on public maps, lack road signs directing to them, and are completely off-limits to foreigners. Residents often require special permits to live or work there, and their correspondence and travel are strictly monitored. These secretive locations highlight Russia’s fascinating blend of history and security practices.
The dacha.
The dacha is a distinctly Russian phenomenon, and in many European languages, it is referred to as “dacha” as well. The concept of the dacha originated during the reign of Peter the Great, who granted his subjects countryside plots where they could freely experiment with architecture and design. These suburban retreats were even officially named “dachas” by the Tsar. Today, the tradition continues, with Russians flocking to their country homes for relaxation, gardening, and a break from city life, forming an integral part of Russian culture.
The Romanovs.
As modern management experts would put it, each monarch of the Romanov dynasty left their successor a larger country than they had inherited. This gradual expansion was a result of territorial conquests, strategic alliances, and diplomatic efforts. Over several generations, the Russian Empire grew to encompass vast regions across Europe, Asia, and even parts of North America, turning Russia into one of the largest empires in history.
Hop drinks.
During the reign of Ivan the Terrible, the alcohol content in various alcoholic beverages ranged from 1% to 6%. Following Greek tradition, wine was often diluted with water, and drinking was reserved for holidays, with people indulging no more than twice a month. Interestingly, this moderate approach to alcohol consumption stands in stark contrast to modern drinking habits. Over time, Russia developed a rich tradition of alcohol production, including vodka, which would eventually become deeply embedded in Russian culture.
Weapons.
In Imperial Russia, until 1917, purchasing a revolver was as simple as buying a loaf of bread—anyone could do it freely in local shops. This starkly contrasts with the heavily regulated firearms policies seen in modern Russia and many other countries. At the time, the ease of access reflected a society with a significantly different approach to personal freedom and responsibility regarding weapons. Today, debates about firearm legalization worldwide often draw parallels to historical practices like this, showcasing how attitudes toward guns have shifted over centuries.
Chelyabinsk.
Half of the city of Chelyabinsk lies in the Ural Mountains, while the other half is in Siberia—a unique geographical divide. The city’s coat of arms features a camel, which might seem odd since camels are no longer found in the region. However, 200 years ago, Chelyabinsk was a key stop for trade caravans, where camel caravans laden with goods frequently passed through. This historical connection highlights the city’s role as a trade hub, blending its geographic and economic significance into its emblem.
Protected Areas.
Russia is home to an extraordinary array of protected natural areas, including 103 nature reserves, 43 massive national parks, and 70 wildlife sanctuaries. Together, these areas cover nearly 600,000 square kilometers, or about 4% of the country’s total landmass. This makes Russia a global leader in conservation. These protected regions shelter countless species, from Amur tigers to Baikal seals, and encompass diverse ecosystems like the tundra, taiga, and mountain ranges, offering unparalleled biodiversity and environmental significance on a vast scale.
Matryoshkas.
The iconic Russian matryoshka doll, often believed to be an ancient craft, was actually created in 1900 by artisan Vasily Zvyozdochkin. That same year, clever merchants showcased it as a “traditional Russian toy” at the World’s Fair in Paris, where it won a bronze medal in the “Toys” category. Its layered design captivated audiences and quickly became a symbol of Russian culture. Interestingly, the concept of nesting dolls may have been inspired by similar Japanese designs, but the Russian version gained global fame for its intricate artistry and cultural significance.
Day of conception.
In 2005, the cheerful governor of Ulyanovsk, Sergey Morozov, declared September 12th as “Conception Day” (officially named “Family Communication Day”) and gave residents the day off. The initiative encouraged families to focus on growing their households, and the results were astonishing. By June 2006, the birth rate in Ulyanovsk had tripled compared to previous years. This unique celebration gained international attention as an inventive way to address Russia’s declining population and became a quirky example of how creative governance can influence demographics.
Dogs on the subway.
In Moscow, some stray dogs have become so clever and adaptable that they regularly use the city’s metro system. They ride specific routes each day, knowing exactly when and where to hop on or off. These resourceful canines have learned to navigate busy train stations, identify their stops, and even time their journeys to places where they know food will be available. It’s a fascinating example of how animals can thrive in urban environments by observing and interacting with human systems.
Serfdom.
Russia has never experienced slavery in the traditional sense seen in other parts of the world. Its most comparable system, serfdom, was a form of feudal dependency. Remarkably, the period of serfdom in Russia was shorter than in many European countries, such as England. Furthermore, serfdom in Russia often had less severe conditions compared to outright slavery. Russia abolished serfdom in 1861, four years before the United States officially ended slavery with the 13th Amendment in 1865, marking a significant societal shift in both nations.
Ekaterinburg.
In 2002, UNESCO recognized Yekaterinburg as one of the 12 most “ideal cities” in the world, thanks to its unique combination of rich history, modern urban planning, and vibrant cultural life. Nestled on the border of Europe and Asia, Yekaterinburg serves as a historical crossroads of civilizations. The city boasts significant landmarks like the Church on the Blood, built on the site of the Romanov family’s execution, and its thriving arts scene further solidifies its reputation as a cultural gem in Russia and beyond.
Hope you found this fun and maybe even learned something new about Russia and its people! If you ever need help translating a document to or from Russian, we’ve got you covered. Our translation agency has been rocking English-Russian translations for over 25 years (and we handle other languages too, of course). So whether you’re tackling business, personal, or creative projects, we’re here to help. Welcome to Russia—we can’t wait to make your language needs a breeze!
