1. 1
Running head: RUSSIA
Russia
Alvernia University
Josh Streeter
4/22/14

2. 2
Running head: RUSSIA
This research paper will be talking about Russia and its culture. This paper will include
some of the famous artifacts of Russia, the language spoken, and family meaning just to name a
few. The reason I chose to write about Russia is not because I have family there but because it
has such a rich history and is very interesting to learn about. One of the main reasons why I
chose this country is because I love WWII. I really wanted to know more about it and what the
Russians role was in that war. Another reason why I chose Russia is because their athletics are
one of the best in the world. They are very disciplined and are always top in the Olympics with
gold medals when they have them. Another reason why I chose Russia is because I wanted to
know more about the Russian culture and stereotypes. I wanted to learn what Russians are really
like. The final reason why I chose Russia is because of their amazing artifacts I wanted to know
more about why they have them and how they got there.
The Russian Federation is the largest of the 21 republics that make up the
Commonwealth of Independent States. It occupies most of Eastern Europe and north Asia,
stretching from the Baltic Sea in the west to the Pacific Ocean in the east, and from the Arctic
Ocean in the north to the Black Sea and the Caucasus in the south (infoplease.com, 2005). It is
bordered by Norway and Finland in the northwest; Estonia, Latvia, Belarus, Ukraine, Poland,
and Lithuania in the west; Georgia and Azerbaijan in the southwest; and Kazakhstan, Mongolia,
China, and North Korea along the southern border (infoplease.com, 2005). The government is a
constitutional federation. Tradition says the Viking Rurik came to Russia in 862 and founded the
first Russian dynasty in Novgorod (infoplease.com, 2005). The various tribes were united by the
spread of Christianity in the 10th and 11th centuries; Vladimir “the Saint” was converted in 988.
During the 11th century, the grand dukes of Kiev held such centralizing power as existed. In

3. 3
Running head: RUSSIA
1240, Kiev was destroyed by the Mongols, and the Russian territory was split into numerous
smaller dukedoms. Early dukes of Moscow extended their dominion over other Russian cities
through their office of tribute collector for the Mongols and because of Moscow's role as an
administrative and trade center (infoplease.com, 2005). So basically, what this is saying is that
the Viking Ruik founded the new land and called it Russia. He founded the first Russian dynasty.
Various tribes were united by the spread of Christianity in the 10th and 11th centuries. Two of the
main tribes were the Kievs and the Mongols. In about 1240 the Mongols defeated the kievs and
Russia was now split into smaller territories.
Now I would like to skip a few years and talk about when the USSR came to power. The
Union of Soviet Socialist Republics was established as a federation on Dec. 30, 1922
(infoplease.com, 2005). The death of Lenin on Jan. 21, 1924, precipitated an intraparty struggle
between Joseph Stalin, general secretary of the party, and Trotsky, who favored swifter
socialization at home and fomentation of revolution abroad (infoplease.com, 2005). Trotsky was
dismissed as commissar of war in 1925 and banished from the Soviet Union in 1929
(infoplease.com, 2005). He was murdered in Mexico City on Aug. 21, 1940, by a political agent.
Stalin further consolidated his power by a series of purges in the late 1930s, liquidating
prominent party leaders and military officers. Stalin assumed the prime ministership on May 6,
1941(infoplease.com, 2005). The term Stalinism has become defined as an inhumane, draconian
socialism (infoplease.com, 2005). Stalin sent millions of Soviets who did not conform to the
Stalinist ideal to forced-labor camps, and he persecuted his country's vast number of ethnic
groups—reserving particular vitriol for Jews and Ukrainians (infoplease.com, 2005). Soviet
historian Roy Medvedev estimated that about 20 million died from starvation, executions, forced
collectivization, and life in the labor camps under Stalin's rule (infoplease.com, 2005).

4. 4
Running head: RUSSIA
Lastly, I want to talk about Putin’s rise to power. On March 26, 2000, Putin won the
presidential election with about 53% of the vote. Putin moved to centralize power in Moscow
and attempted to limit the power and influence of both the regional governors and wealthy
business leaders. Although Russia remained economically stagnant, Putin brought his nation a
measure of political stability it never had under the mercurial and erratic Yeltsin
(infoplease.com, 2005). People at this time were surprised that Yeltsin resigned. This was a
major point in Russian history and the Russian government.
Now I will talk a little bit about what Russians look like and what some of the biological
and physical features they have. "Russian" or "Slavic" appearance is the important distinguishing
combination of features for Russians (stormfront.org, 2013). The ordinary Russians and Russian
physical anthropologists are more or less in agreement on the Russian face (stormfront.org,
2013). The Russian face is pinkish-white or light ( greyish, yellowish, beige) with grey, blue or
green eyes, thin lips, thin eye-brows, with a straight moderately protruding nose of average
length and breadth with a tip which is rather thick (and often roundish)(stormfront.org, 2013).
The "Russian appearance" is not only the above facial features but also ash brown straight or
slightly wavy hair (stormfront.org, 2013). Russian mustaches and beards are light ash brown as
well as hair on arms and legs. Rare Russian redheads are "German" or even
"Jewish"(stormfront.org 2013). The typical build of a Russian person is not too different than
you and me. The typical stereotype is that Russian people are much bigger than the average
person. The fact of that is that it is not true. The only thing true about that is that Russians might
have a little bit more body hair than we Americans do.
Next, I will talk about the typical Russian food and meal times that they eat at. The three
meals of the day in Russia are zavtrak, obed and uzhin (mastrerussian.com, 2013). With the

5. 5
Running head: RUSSIA
exception of zavtrak, there are no exact English translations for these daily meals. For example,
the second meal, obed, is served around 2 p.m. and can be called either "lunch" or "dinner" in
English. The third meal, uzhin, is served after 6 p.m. and can called either "dinner" or
"supper"(masterrussian.com, 2013). The Russian people usually have a very early breakfast at
around seven or eight in the morning right before they leave for work. It is very common for
Russian families to have kasha (a type of porridge made from different grains), butterbrots (a
kind of sandwich made of a single slice of bread and one topping such as butter or ham), boiled
or fried eggs, tvorog (similar to cottage cheese) or cereal for breakfast. Coffee or tea is an
essential drink for many Russians. Many people eat a toast with cheese and drink juice for
breakfast (masterrussian.com, 2013). For lunch “Obed”, is usually the main meal of the day for
most of the Russian population. During the working days Russians usually have a lunch break
that takes place from around 1pm to 3pm. A classic Russian lunch includes hot soup as the first
course and meat with potatoes, porridge or pasta as the second course (masterrussian.com, 2013).
This is then followed by the third course which is usually a drink such as kompot (a non-
alcoholic drink made by boiling fruit in water), tea, coffee or juice with an optional cake or
chocolates(masterrusian.com, 2013). Many Russians who work in the office go for lunch to a
nearby café or restaurant, while others bring lunch from home. Some companies order food for
lunch directly to the office for their employees (masterrussian.com 2013). The last meal of the
day is dinner “Uzhin”. This is another important meal of the day after lunch. It is the second
largest meal after lunch. The whole family eats dinner together after everyone returns home from
work and school, which is usually around 7 or 8 p.m. (masterrussian.com, 2013). For many
Russians, dinner is the only time when the whole family can interact with each other
(masterrusian.com, 2013). Families commonly watch TV together during dinner to keep track of

6. 6
Running head: RUSSIA
the latest news (masterrussian.com, 2013). A typical Russian dinner consists of one or two
appetizers and a hot main dish, which might be potatoes, meat, or fish. After dinner, Russians
like to drink tea with sugar or jam (masterrussian.com, 2013).
This next section will be talking a little bit about their celebrations and holidays. Festivals
have become symbols of national identity and integration of community self-awareness in Russia
(ebscohost.com, 2006). One of the most celebrated holidays in Russia is New Year’s Day and
Eve. On the New Year's Eve Russians decorate fir-trees, hide presents for each other underneath
them, make fireworks, cook delicious meals, set the table and celebrate in the joyous company of
family and friends (rusconhouston.mid.ru, 2004). The integral part of this holiday are Father
Frost and his granddaughter "Snegurochka" (a snow girl) (rusconhouston.mid.ru). For the first
time this holiday was proclaimed by Peter The Great's order dated back to January 20th, 1700
(rusconhouston.mid.ru). Nowadays many celebrate coming of the New Year twice - on January
1st and 14th (which corresponds to January 1st in the Julian calendar, used in Russia before 1918)
(rusconhouston.mid.ru). Another important holiday in the Russian culture is Victory Day.
Russia commemorates on this day the dozens of millions of its countrymen fallen in World War
II. Flowers and wreaths are laid on the wartime graves (rusconhouston.mid.ru). Veterans come
out into the streets wearing their military decorations and medals (rusconhouston.mid.ru). The
entire nation pays tribute to the eternal sacrifice that ensured its future (rusconhouston.mid.ru).
Lastly, the Christmas holiday is celebrated a little differently in Russia. Christmas runs from
January 7th to the 19th. They do not give out presents during this time. Instead this is a time for
being pure and doing good deeds for one another. They dress up in nice clothes and travel from
house to house and ask for favorers from neighbors and friends. They also have a few folk time
traditions as well.

7. 7
Running head: RUSSIA
This next section will be talking about religion and the spoken language in Russia. Most
of Russia’s population is about 75% Orthodox Christianity. This religion is based on deep roots
to god. It also goes back to the ancient Greek times as well. Then 5% is Islam. Catholicism,
Protestantism, Judaism, and Buddhism are 1% each. There are over 100 minority languages
spoken in Russia today, the most popular of which is Tatar (Tartar), spoken by more than 3% of
the country's population (bbc.co.uk, 2013). Other minority languages include Ukrainian,
Chuvash, Bashir, Mordvin, Circassian and Chechen (bbc.co.uk, 2013). Although few of these
populations make up even 1% of the Russian population, these languages are prominent in key
regional areas (bbc.co.uk, 2013).
This next section will be talking about the concept of time and communication aspects.
The Russian population is not very punctual, but not outrageously late either (initiative.ru, 2004).
Chief problem with making appointments is that they are often cancelled from their side or they
simply postpone indefinitely (initiative.ru, 2004). Occasionally they do not turn up and only offer
explanations later if requested to do so (initiative.ru, 2004). Bureaucracy and inefficiency of
officialdom often prevents them from travelling (initiative.ru, 2004). People listen silently and
with little obvious body language being displayed (initiative.ru, 2004). This does not, however,
mean that the listener is disinterested or does not understand - it is merely a cultural
characteristic which Russians share with, amongst others, the Finns and the Japanese
(initiative.ru, 2004). Russians will tend to wait and think before responding to a point made to
them - do not be impatient (initiative.ru, 2004). Allow the Russians the time and space needed to
take part fully in the conversation (and remember that they are probably struggling with foreign
language as well (initiative.ru, 2004).

8. 8
Running head: RUSSIA
The next section will be talking about the family roles and structure. The concept of
family is highly regarded in Russia. The family is a very basic institution, yet it plays a very
important role in Russian society. Since the Soviet Regime, child rearing has always been the
responsibility of both the family and society (Tulane.edu, 1996). Under the guidance of the
Russian society, the family has become the main social structure in Russia (Tulane.edu, 1996).
The growth and development of the children in Russia depended mainly on their family's
structure and upbringing (Tulane.edu, 1996). Throughout the communist period, and into the
present, parents act as the main source for a child's cultural development (Tulane.edu, 1996).
Families Today are more urbanized, smaller in size, and more likely get divorced.
The next section will be talking about some recreation the Russians like to do. During the
summer times. As cities are very populated and associated with very high temperatures, most
individuals leave the city for a little 'R and R’ in areas in the country and by the water
(depauw.edu, 2003). For instance, many frequent their Dachas, or unheated wooden cottages
surrounded by gardens (depauw.edu, 2003). They are also very active in the winter time as well.
Russians enjoy an array of sports and other activities during the winter. The most popular and
competitive sports include ice skating, hockey, and downhill skiing (depauw.edu, 2003). For
example, Vladislave Trediak was the first non-North-American inducted into the Hockey Hall of
Fame (depauw.edu, 2003).
This next section will be talking about will be Environmental issues in Russia. The one
major issue in Russia right now is the Deforestation and the destruction of forests. Forests in
more accessible parts of the country suffer from deforestation caused by extensive logging. The
rate of deforestation has increased in the Ussuri region in extreme far eastern Russia because of
the activities of foreign logging operations. Some large stands of undisturbed forests are

9. 9
Running head: RUSSIA
protected in Russia’s extensive network of national reserves and parks. Adequate funding for
park rangers and other personnel is lacking, however, and poaching (illegal hunting) of
endangered animals such as the Siberian tiger has increased as a result.
The next section will be talking about the education in Russia. Education usually begins
with pre-school before the age of six, although it is not compulsory (expatica.ru, 2011). Children
typically go to kindergartens or other pre-schools which focus on both intellectual and physical
activities (expatica.ru, 2011). The next step is primary school, which is part of the general
education program (expatica.ru, 2011). The general education in Russia is usually comprised of 3
sections. Primary education, which lasts for four years, basic general education lasting for five
years, and secondary education which lasts for two to three years (expatica.ru, 2011).
The next section that will be talked about are the social issues and the economics of
Russia. The biggest problem in Russia today is HIV and the aids epidemic. In a country of 143
million people, between 840,000 and 1.2 million are HIV-positive (worldaffairsjournal.org,
2013). That means Russia has one of the highest percentages of HIV-infected people in the
world, outside sub-Saharan Africa (worldaffairsjournal.org, 2013). Public education about HIV
and AIDS is almost nonexistent. Russia’s only significant response to the crisis has been to make
anti-retroviral (ARV) drug therapy available to people with full-blown AIDS
(worldaffairsjournal.org, 2013). The economy of Russia is in a downfall. With real GDP growth
slowing to an estimated 1.3 percent in 2013 from 3.4 percent of 2012 (worldbank.org, 2014). The
lack of more comprehensive structural reforms has led to the erosion in businesses’ and
consumers’ confidence, which became the decisive factor for the downward revision of the
World Bank’s November growth projections for Russia (worldbank.org, 2014).

10. 10
Running head: RUSSIA
The next sections that will be covered will be the politics, career, and values. Some of
these have already been covered in previous sections. First will be politics. As of now the
president of Russia is Vladimir Putin. The Russian Federation is made up of 21 autonomous
republics with the capital being in Moscow (csudh.edu, 1995). It has a three branch system of
government modeled after the United States. The executive branch is headed by Boris
Nikolayevick Yelstin (since 12 June 1991) (csudh.edu, 1995). The legislative branch is a
bicameral federal assembly, it consists of the State Duma and the Federal Council (csudh.edu,
1995). The State Duma has 450 members that are elected throughout the country based on
population of the districts (csudh.edu, 1995). The Federal Council has 176 members, two each
elected from Russia's 89 territorial units (csudh.edu, 1995). Judicial Branch: Constitutional
Court, Supreme Court (highest court for criminal, and administrative cases), Superior Court of
Arbitration (highest court that resolves economic matters) There are more than 20 parties
currently competing in Russian politics (csudh.edu, 1995). Next, some common jobs in Russia
include lawyers, teachers, and managers. But the most popular job that is in Russia is a distiller.
This job is very popular because Russia is known for their vodka. Although this job is popular, it
is not their daily job. This is more of a job that they like to do in their spare time or in the
summer time. Lastly, a little bit about beliefs and values. The Russians have 5 main values.
Friendship, “druzhba”, concretizes for instance in how knowing people and developing personal
relationships with your business partners are important factors in doing business successfully in
Russia (Jamk.fi, 2012). Soulfulness, “dusha”, refers to valuing the depth of emotion and
spirituality over shallowness and materialism (jamk.fi, 2012). This is expressed, for example, by
love and knowledge of poetry, art and music (jamk.fi, 2012). Creative problem solving realizes
in people’s tendency to do things “their way”, instead of following bureaucracy, rules and

11. 11
Running head: RUSSIA
regulations, or standardized procedures (jamk.fi, 2012). Fatalism refers to the common Russian
belief that individuals have very little control over their life events, which is usually combined
with high tolerance of uncertainty and flexibility to adapt to the given circumstances (jamk.fi,
2012). The value of perseverance describes how stamina, persistence and ability to endure are
appreciated in the Russian culture (jamk.fi, 2012).
The final section that will be discussed will be Healthcare practices and beliefs. There is
not much to say about the healthcare practices and beliefs. The healthcare system in Russia has
been slowly declining since the 1980s. By the mid-1990s, Russia's death rate had reached its
highest peacetime level in the twentieth century (countrystudies.us, 1996). Curable infectious
diseases such as diphtheria and measles have reached epidemic levels unseen since the Bolshevik
Revolution, and the rates of tuberculosis, cancer, and heart disease are the highest of any
industrialized country (countrystudies.us, 1996).
In conclusion, I have talked about Russia and its culture. I have talked about politics to
food. Learning about Russia has been a great experience for me. I have learned things about
Russia that I have never learned about before. I’ve learned that Russia has both their positives
and their negatives.

12. 12
Running head: RUSSIA
Refrences
Russia. (2005). Infoplease. Retrieved April 19, 2014, from infoplease.com
The Russian Face. (2013, April 19). Stormfront.org. Retrieved April 19, 2104, from
www.stormfront.org
Meals of the Day in Russia. (2013). masterrussian.com. Retrieved April 19, 2014, from
www.masterrussian.com
Official Holidays of the Russian Federation. (2004). Rusconhouston, com. Retrieved
April 19, 2014, from www.rusconhouston.com
Languages across Europe. (2013). bbc.co.uk. Retrieved April 20, 2014, from
www.bbc.uk
Russian National Profile. (2004). initiative.ru. Retrieved April 20, 2014, from
www.initiative.ru
Creuziger, C. (1996). Family Structure in Russia. Tulane.edu. Retrieved April 19, 2014, from
www.tulane.edu
Recreation. (2003). depauw.edu. Retrieved April 19, 2014, from acad.depauw.edu
The education system in Russia. (2011). expatica.ru. Retrieved April 19, 2014, from
www.expatica.ru

13. 13
Running head: RUSSIA
Russia Overview. (2014, January 1). Worldbank.org. Retrieved April 19, 2014, from
www.worldbank.org
Evans, D. (1995, April 20). Russia's Political System. Csudh.edu. Retrieved April 19, 2014, from
www.csudh.edu
Saastamoinen, R. (2012, January 1). JAMK Centre for Competitiveness. JAMK.fi. Retrieved
April 19, 2014, from blogit.JAMK.fi
Health. (1996, January 1). Countrystudies.us. Retrieved April 20, 2014, from
www.countrystudies.us