Russia Nutz and Bolts

The Basics

Country: Russia
Where is it: Russia is located in northern Asia, bordering the Arctic Ocean, between Europe and the North Pacific Ocean
Why do people go here: Oh sweet Russia! Still an empire in its own right, but struggling with development. A massive country packed with history, rural communities and the Trans-Siberian railway.
What are the main entry points: Russia is BIG, but most travelers head from the West to St. Petersburg or Moscow from Ukraine, Belarus or the Baltic countries
Currency used: Russian ruble
Country Code for Phones: 7
Area codes for Major Cities: Moscow 95, St. Petersburg 812
Religion: Russian Orthodox, Muslim
Population: 144.5 million
Ethnic Breakdown: Russian 81.5%, Tatar 3.8%, Ukrainian 3%, Chuvash 1.2%, Bashkir 0.9%, Belarusian 0.8%, Moldavian 0.7%, other 8.1%
Government: Federation. Until 1991, Russia was the stronghold of the U.S.S.R., the Eastern communist bloc.
Languages: Russian

Travel Information

Major Cities: Moscow, St. Petersburg
Attractions: Trans-Siberian Railway, Kremlin, Moscow
Accommodation: Russia Hostels, Russia Hotels
Tourism Office locations and links: http://www.russia-travel.com
Off-the-Beaten-Path:
Health Issues: No vaccines are required for the international traveler
When to go: Avoid winter at all costs, unless you plan on drinking a lot of vodka to keep warm. Early fall is relatively dry, still warm and generally more cheery than the damp spring.
Common Phrases:
Specific Events/Holidays: Russia Day, 12 June (1990)
Getting Around: Bring some good reading, ’cause you’ll need it on the extensive, but slow, trains. Buses visit smaller towns.
Good to know: Visitors must be ‘invited’ to travel to Russia- this is usually arranged through your hostel or hotel. It’s typically for 30 days.