Russia, the largest country in the world, is not only known for its impressive land area, but also for its many interesting facts that people often don’t know. From its rich history to its unique culture, Russia has a lot to offer. In this article, we will discuss ten interesting facts about Russia that are rarely known.
The Largest Country in the World
Russia covers an area of 17,098,250 km², making it the largest country in the world. Its area is even eight times larger than Indonesia. Its territory crosses two continents, namely Europe and Asia, and covers eleven different time zones.
The Longest Railway Line
Russia has the longest railway in the world, the Trans-Siberian Railway. At 9,298 km long, it connects Moscow to Vladivostok and passes through stunning landscapes. The full journey from end to end takes about six days.
Two Calendars Used
Russia is one of the countries that still uses two types of calendars: the Gregorian and Julian calendars. The Julian calendar was introduced by Julius Caesar and is still used in some religious traditions, such as celebrating Christmas on January 7.
Proximity to the United States
Despite frequent political tensions, Russia and the United States are only separated by 4 km in the Bering Strait. In the middle of the strait are two small islands: the US-owned Little Diomede and the Russian-owned Big Diomede.
Cats in the Hermitage Museum
The Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg is known not only for its incredible art collection, but also for the presence of about 70 cats that live in the museum. These cats are cared for by the museum staff and are part of the attraction of the place.
Lake Baikal The Deepest Lake in the World
Lake Baikal is the deepest and oldest lake in the world, with a depth of 1,642 meters. It also holds about 20% of the world’s fresh water, making it a very valuable natural resource.
Coldest Cities in the World
The Siberian city of Oymyakon is recorded as the coldest city in the world, with the lowest temperature reaching -77.8 degrees Celsius. The city experiences extreme winters and is home to a few residents despite the harsh weather conditions.
Wealth of Natural Resources
Russia has the world’s largest natural gas reserves and is one of the world’s major oil producers. The country supplies about 21% of the world’s total natural gas production, making it a major player in the international energy market.
Diverse Languages
Although Russian is the official language, the country has over 270 different languages and dialects spoken by various ethnic and cultural groups throughout its territory.
Strong Chess Tradition
Chess is very popular in Russia and is considered a major intellectual sport. The country has produced many world chess champions and has a long tradition of the game dating back to the 18th century.
Conclusion
Russia is a country with an incredible cultural and historical richness, as well as many interesting facts that are often unknown to many people. From the longest railway to the famous museum cats, every aspect of life in Russia offers something unique to explore.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
- What are the unique features of Russian culture?
Russian culture is rich in literary traditions, classical music, and visual arts, and has many unique festivals such as Maslenitsa. - Why is Lake Baikal so important?
Lake Baikal is the world’s largest source of fresh water and has a unique ecosystem with endemic species. - How to visit Oymyakon?
Oymyakon can be reached by road from the city of Yakutsk by special vehicles during the winter. - What are some typical Russian foods?
Some typical Russian foods include borscht (beetroot soup), pelmeni (dumplings), and blini (thin pancakes). - Who are some famous Russian figures?
Some famous Russian figures include writers Leo Tolstoy and Fyodor Dostoevsky and scientists such as Mikhail Lomonosov.
With this knowledge, you now know Russia not only as a big country but also as a place full of mysteries and uniqueness!
Citations:
[1] https://kumparan.com/sejarah-dan-sosial/mengungkap-fakta-menarik-rusia-sebagai-negara-terbesar-di-eropa-20Jua8TgAMl
[2] https://jambi.antaranews.com/berita/522629/fakta-menarik-rusia-yang-harus-anda-ketahui
[3] https://www.tempo.co/hiburan/rusia-jadi-negara-terbesar-di-dunia-ini-fakta-menarik-dan-keunikannya-183059
[4] https://id.rbth.com/discover-russia/86538-15-fakta-aneh-dan-tak-biasa-rusia-zyx
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