Everyone is probably aware that Russia is huge and can get very cold. Also, everyone has already had some contact with the history or culture of Russia, after all, we have all heard about the one or other tsar or the famous Bolshoi Theater. But what do tsars have to do with forced shaving? And what is it about the Moscow Kuklachev cat theatre? We have put together some interesting facts for you here.
Fact #1 - Neighbouring countries
Russia covers almost 15% of the earth's total mass and, due to its size, has more neighbors than any other country in the world. It has a total of 15 neighboring countries.
Fact #2 - Beard tax
The Russian Tsar Peter demanded a tax on beards from 1698. He wanted to encourage men to shave to look more modern. If they didn't pay, they were forced to shave.
Fact #3 - Kishi Pogost
The wooden church of Kischi Pogost was built over 300 years ago. The special thing? The 35-meter high wooden church was built without a single nail. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Fact #4 - Moscow Metro
Moscow metro stations are among the most beautiful underground stations in the world. They are also known as underground palaces.
Fact #5 - Moscow Kuklachev cat theatre
The Moscow Kuklachev cat theatre is a traveling circus whose performers are mostly cats. There are also a few dogs and of course clowns. By the way, they are traveling worldwide.
Fact #6 - Railway
The probably best known and longest railway line in the world is in Russia. The Trans-Siberian Railway needs 152:27 hours for the 9,200 km long route.
Fact #7 - Flowers
Eyes open when buying flowers: In addition to the right color of the flowers, you should also pay attention to the number. An even number of flowers is only given away at funerals and in case of bereavement.
Fact #8 - The lowest temperature
In Russia, the record for the lowest temperature in an inhabited area was measured. In 1933, -67.7° Celsius was measured in the city of Oimyakon.
Fact #9 - Country size
Russia is the largest country in the world in terms of area. It is so large that the landmass of Russia is only slightly smaller than the dwarf planet Pluto.
Fact #10 - Ships for Pepsi
Since they did not accept the Russian currency, the PepsiCo received in the 1980s 17 submarines, a cruiser, a frigate, and a destroyer as payment for the sale of Pepsi.
