Ethnic Groups

After the fall of the Soviet Union, 32 ethnic groups gained their own republics or territories.

85 percent of Russians live in western Russia, which has rich soil, waterways, and milder climate than in the east. This is where Russia's industrialized cities, like Moscow, are located. In contrast, Siberia makes up two thirds of Russia’s land, but only 15 percent of the population lives there.

Religion

Eastern Orthodox Christianity is predominant in Russia, while Islam prevails in countries like Kazakhstan.

​ For example, the image shows an Eastern Orthodox church in Ukraine. The domes on top of each tower represent reaching up toward heaven.

Education

Similarly in the Eurasian republics, education is highly valued, often with a focus on science, mathematics, and literature.

In Russia, learners typically begin formal education at the age of six or seven and progress through a system that emphasizes challenging academics.

Education

In Tajikistan, the literacy rate is at 88 percent, but in many of the other Eurasian republics, it is even higher.

Extended families often live together or nearby, providing support and a sense of community. Respect for elders is important, with grandparents often playing an integral role in childcare and passing down wisdom to younger generations.

Family

Sports

Russian professional athletes in sports like track and field, ice hockey, figure skating, and gymnastics have done very well in international events like the Olympics.

Olympics

Russia is not allowed to compete as a nation in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) suspended the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) and banned the Russian flag, anthem, and team from the Games. However, approved Russian athletes may compete as Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN). 

Traditionally, this holiday celebrates Russian workers, but more recently it has become a celebration of spring.

Russian May Day

Holidays

In the Eurasian republics, Nowruz, or Persian New Year, is one of the most widely celebrated holidays marking the beginning of spring.

Nowruz

Holidays

Unity Day in Kazakhstan is a day for celebrating the value of having a multicultural country with many nationalities living united in one place.

Unity Day

Holidays

The influence of the Silk Road helped spread the art of this region throughout the world.
Russian literature, known worldwide for its depth and insight, includes the works of Tolstoy and Pushkin. Leo Tolstoy wrote War and Peace and Anna Karenina, two of the world's greatest novels.

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Art

Music also holds a special place, from Tchaikovsky's (chai KAAF skee) classical compositions, like The Nutcracker and Swan Lake, to modern pop and folk tunes. Traditional dance forms, such as ballet, also thrive, showcasing grace and skill.

Music

​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zV1qLYukTH8

Borscht (BOR sht), a beet soup, would likely be served at the beginning of your meal.

Shchi (SHE), a cabbage soup, would be another option to start the meal.

​Piroshki (puh RAASH kee), a fried or baked bun that could have a variety of fillings.

Potatoes are one of the most common foods grown in Russia.

Much of the food in Russia and the Eurasian republics is a reflection of the climate and the crops that can grow in colder climates.

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Crops

naryn, a lamb dish that you enjoy with your hands

kebabs, pieces of meat that are cooked on a stick

Rice and stewed vegetables are also commonly seen on the table

A mixture of European, Russian, classical and baroque (ornate) architecture

Gothic

Russian Neo-Byzantine architecture, also marked by very colorful buildings

Byzantine

Soviet constructivist architecture was meant to reflect modern and industrial designs, and rejected ornate and decorative designs

COnstructivist

Similar Russian architecture is seen in the Stan's because of Russia's expansion and control into the Stans.

Neo-Byzantine

Early architectural designs featuring Persian and Mongol traditional designs and colors.

Timurid

Soviet intervention in the Stans led to an increase in Soviet architecture. Concrete buildings were meant to convey authority.

Soviet Era Brutalism