У меня друг переехал на ПМЖ в Португалию. Местные жители задолбали его различными вопросами о России. Он составил ФАК по стране

Russia and the Russians.
Frequently Asked Questions.
100% serious, 100% based on real questions, answers are 100% subjective.

Climate & Nature

Yes, Russia is a cold country. Temperatures vary from region to region but for most of territory -15 centigrade is rather comfortable temperature of January. Lowest temperature registered in Russia is -73 centigrade, in small village in Siberia, but it was long ago and none remembers it.

In spite of cold winters Russia has warm (but short) summers. Temperatures in July can reach +40, and again it is very dependent on the region. Russia doesn't have snow in summer time, only in mountains there is some.

Sometimes the Russians swim in cold water winter time. They make big holes in ice on lakes and rivers and go to swim for a couple of seconds. What for?
It's a fun.  

Snow falls only winter time and the height of blanket of snow can be up to one meter or so.

Ice on rivers in winter is very thick and strong. You can drive your car at the lakes' surface.

We don't have bears at streets of towns and cities, only in zoos.

Vodka

Vodka has 40% of alcohol.

People don't drink vodka to enjoy the taste, they enjoy consequences.

People don't drink vodka with each mill they have. They drink it only if they have an occasion - birthday, holiday, Friday.

If one drinks too much vodka, probably next day he is going to have headache and hang-over.

The Russians don't dilute vodka, they drink it pure.

The Russians don't drink hot vodka, they freeze it.

Vodka is not tasty

One shouldn't breathe several seconds after the shot of vodka. It can burn your throat.

There are people who like vodka very much. Usually they quit their jobs and sell the apartments for vodka's sake.

People

The population of Russia is about 144 million people.

There are no black Russians.

There are some blacks from other countries working and studying.

The Russians are not only blonds with blue eyes. There are many brunets, red- and gray-haired.

There are a number of other ethnic languages for national minorities, but usually it's their second language.

There are many Jews in Russia

Most common Russian male surname terminates with -in or -ov.

Most common Russian female surname ends with -ina or -ova.

When married a woman loses her maiden name and gets her husband's surname with -a at the end.

The Russians have three names - first name, middle name and surname. Middle name is made from father's first name with added ending -ovich, -evich for men and -ovna, -evna for women.

Yes, the Russians used newspapers instead of toilet paper in Soviet Union times. There was a shortage of toilet paper.

Sharapova is Russian, she was born in Siberia but when left the country in order to train and earn money.

Yes, criminal level is rather high in Russia

Yes, it's better to stay at home nighttime for foreigner unless you have Russian friends

Yes, Russian mafia is strong and rich

Yes, they have a lot of money

Faith

Most of the Russians are Orthodox believers.

Orthodoxy is a branch of Christianity.

When Orthodox believers cross themselves they end at the left side of their chests - at the heart.

They wear wedding ring on right ring-finger.

Orthodox Christmas is 7 of January.

25 of December means nothing for Orthodox believers.

Russian New Year is 1st of January

Politics & Finance

It's true, Putin got about 70% at last elections

Yes, Abramovich is the richest Russian guy

Khodorkovsky, the owner of Yukos used to be number one but got troubles with law and authorities.

Yes, at time he is in prison.

He got 8 years of prison.

Gorbatchev is not popular person at present.

Glasnost means a freedom of speech.

Perestroika means reconstruction of the country.

Yes, now Russia has huge glastnost and permanent perestroika

Russia doesn't have problems with democracy

Language

The Russians speak Russian

There are 33 letters in Russian alphabet

Yes, Russian language is difficult to learn

Thank you is "Spasibo" in Russian

I love you is "Ya tebia lublu" in Russian

Hello is "Privet" in Russian

Yes, there are many rude words

The Russians don't speak foreign languages very well because of rather low level of school teaching in this field. In Soviet Union it wasn't necessary to know foreign language because it was closed country. Nowadays the situation is improving.

Прислал Eugene