Kiev Interpreter

Russia

Here you can find some basic information about Russia which might help you when planning your trips or building your itinerary.

Location: Eastern Europe and Northern Asia.
Neighbors are Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, China, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Latvia, Mongolia, Norway, Poland, North Korea, Ukraine, Finland and Estonia.
It is washed by the Pacific Ocean and by the Northern, Black, Baltic and Caspian seas.

Population: Russia ranks 7th place in the world in terms of population size with a total of approximately 150 million people, at least two thirds of which live in European Russia. The population is generally divided between Russian – 81.5%, Tatar – 3.8% and Ukrainian – 3% although there are also many other nationalities living there.

Capital: Moscow

Area: European Russia occupies the territory up to the Urals Mountains, after which lie Siberia and then the Russian Far East.

Languages: Russian is the official language.

Climate: The Russian climate is predominantly continental or moderate continental however the sheer size of the territory creates its own diversity. Winters in Russia can be quite cold, with snow. End of spring is usually warm and summer can be very hot.
Average summer temperature fluctuates from +15 °C to +30 °C, winter from – 25 °C to + 5 °C (sometimes it can be as cold as – 30°C).

Currency: The official currency in Russia is the Russian Ruble, which you can get at the currency exchange or at a bank on your arrival. You can also use your international cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) now in most big stores, restaurants and hotels. You can use bank machines to withdraw cash or go into the bank with your card and withdraw money there.

Government structure: The form of state rule is that of a federal republic. The head of state is the president. Parliament has two chambers. Moscow is the capital. The other city of federal importance is Saint Petersburg.

Public holidays:
January 1:New Year's Day
January 7 - Christmas (Orthodox calendar)
23 February - The Day of the Motherland Defender
8 March - International Women's Day
1,2 May - May Day
9 May - Victory Day
12 June - Independence Day
7 November - Peace and Harmony Day
12 December - Constitution Day

Visas and registration: Visas are required to visit Russia. You should obtain a visa from the Russian Embassy in the capital of your country. In Russia you are required to carry your ID documents with you.

Hours of work:

Banks
Weekdays except Fridays: 9.00/10.00 – 18.00
Lunchtime: 13.00 – 14.00
Fridays: 9.00/10.00 – 16.45
Saturdays: 09.00 – 14.00
Sundays: Closed

Offices
Weekdays except Fridays: 09.00 – 18.00
Lunchtime: 13.00 – 14.00/Varies
Fridays: 09.00 – 16.45
Saturdays and Sundays: Closed

Shops
Weekdays and Saturdays: 09.00 – 19.00-20.00
Lunchtime: Varies
Sundays: Some shops are closed.

Most supermarkets and big shopping malls work 24 hours daily seven days a week.

Emergency:

Telephone numbers for the local emergency services are:
Fire service: 01, Police: 02, Ambulance: 03