Author: Taylor, Tiffany

С Рождеством (s Rojdestvom), Merry Christmas from RUSSIA !

Russia is the largest country in the world. It covers 6.6 million square miles (17 million sq. km), eleven time zones, and two continents—Europe and Asia.
The capital and largest city in Russia is Moscow. Other major cities in Russia include Saint Petersburg, Yekaterinburg and Novosibirsk.
The currency (money) used in Russia is the ruble.
The world’s first satellite, named Sputnik, was launched by the Soviet Union in 1957.
The official residence of the Russian president is the Kremlin in Moscow. The name Kremlin means fortress.
Moscow hosted the 1980 Summer Olympic Games.

Russia shares borders with many countries, including China, Ukraine, North Korea and Norway.

Soccer is the top sport in Russia. Ice hockey and ice skating are also popular in this chilly country.
Russian children have nine years of elementary education. The school day usually runs from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; lunch is eaten at school.
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Chess is a national obsession. Other pastimes include the card game Durak (Russian Fool) and the computer game Tetris, which was invented in Russia.

In Russia, grandmothers—babushkas—are famous for the strong role they play in families, public life and fairy tales.

School uniforms were abolished in the 1990s. For attire, the emphasis is on warmth-children may even wear fur coats.

The official date for Christmas celebrations in Russia is the 6th of January.