Russia is one of the most misunderstood countries in the world. It is important to know some facts about this country before visiting.

Some interesting russia unique facts include the fact that they have 12 active volcanos. It also has the largest lake in the world, Lake Baikal.

1. Russians don’t smile

Smiling is not a part of the Russian culture. It is considered as a sign of dishonesty, secrecy and hiding your real emotions.

This is why they avoid smiling to strangers in the streets.

They also don’t smile at work, like in a bank or at the customs office.

However, they are trying to change this attitude and teach their workers how to smile in a bid to be more welcoming to foreign visitors. This is especially important during the World Cup, where they expect 1.5 million tourists.

2. They love drinking tea more than alcohol

Russians love to drink tea, and it’s not only because of their cold climate. They also love to have a relaxing time with friends over tea.

The main reason is that they believe that drinking alcohol can be harmful to the body, and it is better to drink tea instead of alcoholic drinks for health reasons. It can also be a great way to save money!

3. They don’t like to say no to food

Food is a big deal in Russia. The country is home to some of the world’s most deliciously baked goods, and the government takes food fetishism seriously.

Not surprisingly, food has been a major theme of President Vladimir Putin’s administration. Several studies have highlighted the many ways the Russians have improved their diets. One of the most laudable efforts has been to promote agricultural self-sufficiency, a feat that has been done only by a handful of countries.

4. They have stray dogs on the metro

Stray dogs in Moscow have been able to learn how to navigate the city’s subway system. It’s an impressive feat and a source of intrigue for both subway users and transport enthusiasts.

Biologists and animal behavior scientists have studied the Moscow metro dogs for years to understand their urban way-finding abilities. They’ve found that the animals rely on three different sources to help them find their way: smells, lighting and passenger movement.

They also learn which stops to get on and off at, and which humans are more likely to hand over a treat. This is all part of a strategy to help them survive in the city’s harsh winter.

5. The Hermitage Museum is one of the biggest museums in the world

The Hermitage Museum is one of the biggest museums in the world and it has over 3 million artifacts. Its collection is so large that you would need 11 years to see all of it in a single visit!

The Hermitage has a vast collection of paintings, sculptures and decorative arts. These are mostly from a wide range of eras and styles.

6. They have 12 active volcanos

Squeezed between Asia and the Pacific, the Russian peninsula of Kamchatka is a hotbed of volcanic activity. Its volcanoes roar and erupt at least twice a year, spewing glass, rock and ash into the sky that can threaten airplanes.

One of the most active volcanoes in the region is Shiveluch, which reaches 3,283 meters (11,771 feet) above sea level. It has a dome that glows with heat at night, and lava flows descend its slopes, accompanied by hot avalanches and pyroclastic flows.

7. They have a museum dedicated to famous literary writers

Russia is famous for its literature, and they have a museum dedicated to some of their most iconic writers. There are museums dedicated to famous Russian poets, such as Pushkin, and famous writers who were awarded the Nobel Prize, such as Anna Akhmatova.

The museum at Pushkin’s apartment is a must-see for anyone visiting Moscow who loves literature. It has a collection of over 120,000 literary items from the 13th century to present day.

8. They have 640 billion trees

Russia is home to some of the world’s largest forests, which are soaking up carbon from the air at an unprecedented rate. But they’re also being threatened by fires at record rates.

Now, Russia is trying to use its vast taiga to convince the world that it’s doing its part to fight climate change. It wants to monetize the country’s massive forest sink, turning it into an international carbon market.