Geography:

Russia is the largest country in the world with the total area 17075400 square meters (over 6.5 million square miles). Russia is located on the eastern part of Europe and northern part of Asia. Eastern European Plain occupies the West of Russia, further the Ural mountain chain lies, behind which Western Siberian Plain stretches.
The territory of Russia spans through 11 times zones.
The country is divided into administrative regions mainly based on geography.
Currently, the Russian Federation is divided administratively into 21 republics, 6 krays (federal territories), 2 federal cities (Moscow and St. Petersburg), 49 regions, 1 autonomous region and 10 autonomous areas. Population of Russia as of June 2007 is 142 000 000 inhabitants.
Russia’s topography includes the world’s deepest Lake Baikal and Europe’s longest river Volga.

Capital:

Moscow

Languages:

Official language Russian. Approximately 100 others spoken.

Religion:

About 75 percent of the population of Russia belong to the Russian Orthodox Church, 19 percent Muslim and 6 percent others. Religious activity increased sharply in post-Soviet period.

Time:

Time is GMT +3 for both Moscow and St. Petersburg.

31.07.2010

= RUB

= RUB

= RUB

Rubles are the only currency legally allowed to be used for cash payments - dollars or any other major currency can be exchanged easily at the hotels, banks and at the exchange booths on every street corner in major cities. Many hotels and increasing numbers of shops and stores accept Western credit cards.

Transport:

The best and safest way to get a taxi is to arrange a chauffeur driven car with the hotel taxi service or book a taxi at one of the taxi service companies.

Electricity:

Electricity throughout Russia is 220 vol/50hz. The plug is the two-pin thin European standard; converters are necessary.

Tipping:

Tipping is increasingly expected at restaurants, bars, hotels. Tip 5-15% depending on service.