 Russia has a strong history of art.  Realistic, romantic, political, and psychological themes are common throughout Russian novels, poems, and plays.  Some of the most well known symphonies, ballets, operas and other musical works come from Russia.  Renowned ballet company, The Bolshoi Ballet, started in 1776  Some Russian folk crafts include lace making, lacquer painting,wood carving, and nested dolls.

 At 6,601,668 square miles (17,098,242 square kilometers), Russia is the largest country in the world.  The deepest freshwater lake(Baikal), and four of the largest rivers (Lena, Ob, Volga, and Yenisey) are in Russia.  Russia is mostly covered in plains, but most of the north is covered in a large frozen tundra.  Russia’s Asian and European side is divided by the low Ural Mountains.  Russia’s climate varies on the region.  Winter typically last form November to March, but in Siberia it can last for up to nine months.

 Visiting and having guest is common.  When visiting it is common to give gifts.  For casual visits, it is common to give, but not required, to bring simple gifts.  The friendship shown is more important than receiving a gift.  In Russia, one eats with a fork in their left hand and a knife in their right.  People are to keep their hands above the table rather than on their lap.  When entertaining, more food than can be eaten is made to indicate that there is an abundance of food in the house.  When finished with the meal, guest show that they have eaten well by leaving some food on their plate.

 The most celebrated holiday is New Years  Almost everyone decorates a New Years tree.  This is the time of year when Grandfather Frost leaves presents for children.  May 9 is Victory day commemorates the end of WWII, which is important to most Russians  Since 1991, Russian Independence Day( June 12) has been celebrated.  Every profession has its own holiday.

 Children are required to attend school from ages 6 to 17.  Due to the lack of money, schools lack supplies, facilities, and other necessary tools.  If students have other special interest, they attend other schools for music, dance, and other hobbies.

 Russia has many natural resources (oil, natural gas, coal, timber).  Despite its abundant natural resources, Russia still struggles economically.  40% of Russians live in poverty.  The currency is the ruble.  When short on money, people trade items or jobs for another.

 According to tradition, if someone steps on your toes accidently, you have to step on there feet. If not most likely a fight will beak out.  During the 17 th and 18 th Century, during Peter the Great’s rule, men were required to shave off their beard or be taxed.  In Russia, it is believed unlucky if one shakes hands through a door way.