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Bookmark & shareHardship wrapped in history inside splendour.
Churchill's 'riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma' remains an apt description of Russia; most outsiders have only a hazy idea of its realities. A composite of the extravagant glories of old Russia and the drab legacies of the Soviet era, it's a country that both befuddles and beguiles.
This is a land of snow and deadly winters, but also of rivers that meander across meadows and a midsummer sun that never sets. Its people, in the words of a Russian proverb, 'love to suffer', yet they also love to party and can be disarmingly generous and hospitable.
Travel Warning: Dangerous Territories
Travellers are strongly advised against travel to Chechnya, Dagestan and neighbouring Ingushetia. Military clashes, kidnapping of aid workers and foreigners, violent crimes and muggings are prevalent. Other areas of concern include North Ossetia, Stavropol, Karachayevo-Cherkessiya and Kabardino-Balkariya. Events in all these places are difficult to gauge and can change rapidly. On-the-ground consular support regarding these destinations can be negligible or non-existent. Russian authorities have warned of the possibility of terrorist attacks in major centres, including Moscow.
severity: Mid-level alert
Fast Facts
Country Full Name
Russian Federation
Population
144,530,000
Currency
Name: Russian Ruble
Code: RUB
Symbol: Rbl
Electrical Plugs
220V 50Hz
Languages Spoken
Official: Russian
Time Zones
GMT/UTC +3
GMT/UTC +2
GMT/UTC +4
GMT/UTC +5
GMT/UTC +8
GMT/UTC +10
GMT/UTC +12
Country Dialing Code
+7
Weights & Measures
Metric
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Disclaimer: We've tried to make the information on this web site as accurate as possible, but it is provided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. You should verify critical information (like visas, health and safety, customs and transportation) with the relevant authorities before you travel.
