Ethnic groups:

Russian 77.7%, Tatar 3.7%, Ukrainian 1.4%, Bashkir 1.1%, Chuvash 1%, Chechen 1%, other 10.2%,
unspecified 3.9%. Note: more than 190 ethnic groups are represents in Russia's 2010 census (2010
est.)
Languages:
Russian (official) 96.3%, Dolgang 5.3%, German 1.5%, Chechen 1%, Tatar 3%, other 10.3%
note: shares sum to more than 100% because some respondents gave more than one answer on
the census (2010 est.)
Religions:
Russian Orthodox 15-20%, Muslim 10-15%, other Christian 2% (2006 est.)
note: estimates are of practicing worshipers; Russia has large populations of non-practicing
believers and non-believers, a legacy of over seven decades of Soviet rule
note: Russia has 9 time zones

Russia is the second-largest producer of dry natural gas and third-largest liquid fuels producer in the world. Despite
its significant reserves of coal, it produces only modest amount of coal. Russia's economy is highly dependent on its
hydrocarbons, and oil and gas revenues account for more than 50% of the federal budget revenues.

Russia was the third-largest producer of liquid fuels in 2012, following the United States and Saudi Arabia. During
that year, liquid fuels production averaged 10.4 million bbl/d.

Russia's Transneft holds a near-monopoly over Russia's pipeline network, and pipeline exports account for the vast
majority of Russia's crude oil exports.

Russia holds the largest natural gas reserves in the world, and is the second-largest producer of dry natural gas.
Russia is one of the top producers and consumers of electric power in the world, with more than 220 gigawatts of
installed generation capacity. In 2011, electric power generation totaled approximately 996 billion kilowatthours, and
Russia consumed about 861 billion kilowatthours.

Despite its sizeable reserves, Russia's production of coal is relatively modest, the country ranks sixth largest in the
world coal production.

Russia sold Alaska to the U.S. for $7.2 million in 1867.

Its harder to grasp why Russia has more women than men. For a long time the reason was that
World War II had wiped out the male population. Russia lost over 29,000,000 during that conflict,
most of them men. These days, the reasons are less dramatic and probably have more to do with
lifestyle choices than anything else.
For generations, Russians have been brought up with a heightened feeling of national identity.
"Being Russian" is a conscious part of an individual's personal identity. A "true" Russian is loyal
(sometimes to a fault), reliable and self-sacrificing (for a good cause, like the well-being of
family, friends and those in need). He/she loves the motherland and is prepared to protect and
defend it whatever the cost. There are two meanings of "motherland" for a Russian: the Big
Motherland is the country; Russians want to be proud of it no matter what happens. The Little
Motherland is the place one was born, grew up, and live in. If one feels he/she cannot be proud
of the country for some reason, the Little Motherland is there to love and seek refuge in.
A handshake is the appropriate greeting in Russia. Men who are friends will sometimes greet
each other by grasping the other's right arm. Sometimes men also pat each other on the back
with the other hand while shaking hands.
Women can shake hands with men, although it is best for the man to wait and see if she offers
her hand. In a formal situation it is appropriate for women to exchange handshakes with other
women: however, in an informal environment handshaking between women is not common.

Violence, in the form of domestic violence, rape and sexual harassment is widespread and yet
has elicited minimal state attention. Psychological and physical violence in marriage is not
uncommon. 56% of women were threatened with beatings or were victims of violence al least
once by their husbands.

Implications

Be careful not to offend the Russian sense of national pride and avoid comments that may
seem condescending.
Many Russians see themselves as members of groups in opposition to other groups. It is
therefore vital for foreigners to build personal relationships with Russian colleagues in order
to become an "insider."
Ethical standards and the support one expects to receive are largely dependent on whether
the person is dealing with svoiji or chuzhije (insiders or outsiders).

Within svoiji, Russians call on one another at any time for anything loan each other
money without question, confide personal and professional problems. Outsiders are often
distrusted and may be treated poorly.
Observing hierarchy, as marked by seating arrangements, subtleties of forms of address,
greetings, and body language, is very important.

Russia's 20 richest people have a combined net worth of over $227 billion, which is larger than
Pakistan's GDP.
Pakistan has a nominal GDP of $215 billion.
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/rs.html
http://berkleycenter.georgetown.edu/letters/the-prettier-sex-understanding-gender-roles-inrussia
http://www.latitudenews.com/story/in-russia-a-lack-of-men-forces-women-to-settle-for-less/
http://www.doingbusiness.org/~/media/giawb/doing%20business/documents/profiles/country/ru
s.pdf
http://www.archives.gov/historicaldocs/document.html?doc=10&title.raw=Check+for+the+Purchase+of+Alaska
http://www.eia.gov/countries/country-data.cfm?fips=RS
http://www.advantour.com/russia/economy/industry.htm
http://www.worldstopexports.com/russias-top-10-exports/2350
http://www.aperianglobal.com/web/globesmart/locale/topic.cfm?topicid=068A05D2BFF79B13D2
C9AB6556A2A4F4