Russia - overview
With the dissolution of the Soviet Union,
visitors have a fresh opportunity to explore
a vast array of exciting and ancient cultures,
from the glittering imperial Russia of St.
Petersburg to the timeless village life of
Siberia and Irkutsk. One of the most notable
features of present day Russia is a renewed
celebration of the wealth of its past and
its potential for the future.
Throwing off the image of communist uniformity,
Russia today is a nation of enormous diversity
and tremendous liveliness. It is as if the
cultural traditions of a century ago have
re-awakened with a newfound strength - ancient
cathedrals are being rebuilt and restored,
colourful markets hum with activity once
again and literature and the arts are quickly
regaining the creative renown they enjoyed
decades ago. A new Russia is now in full
bloom.
For most westerners, Russia is best known
for its European cities--Moscow, St. Petersburg
and Murmansk. This is the heartland of Imperial
Russia, and these great and ancient cities
often become the centre of attention for
most tourists. However there is much more
to Russia, a country that spans eleven time
zones and two continents, ending less than
50 miles from North America. Within this
vast expanse lie the largest freshwater lake
in the world, rivers and forests teeming
with wildlife, awe inspiring volcanos, and
towering mountains. Russia is the largest
country on earth, with enormous tracts of
land that have been opened to travellers
only in the last few years. |
