Russia

Russia is a vast country located in northern Eurasia, stretching from Eastern Europe to northern Asia. The official language is Russian and its rich history can be traced back to the 9th century with the establishment of the Kievan Rus'. The capital of Russia is Moscow, a bustling city known for its iconic architecture and cultural heritage. Russia is divided into several main territories, including the Central, Northwestern, Southern, and Far Eastern regions.

Russian cuisine is diverse and flavorful, with many dishes influenced by the country's long history and neighboring cultures. Some of the most famous dishes include "Pelmeni," a type of dumpling filled with meat or fish, "Borscht," a hearty soup made with beets and vegetables, and "Blini," thin pancakes typically served with sour cream and caviar. Whether you are interested in the country's history, culture, or cuisine, there is no shortage of interesting things to discover about Russia.

Activity 1: Read the text and answer the questions: 

1. What is the official language of Russia?

2. What is the capital of Russia?

3. What are some of the main territories/areas of Russia?

4. What is the origin of Russian cuisine?

5. What is "Pelmeni"?

6. What is served with Blini?

Activity 2. Match the words with the correct definitions:

1. cuisine

2. iconic architecture

3. dumpling

4. hearty soup

5. region 

A. a type of food that is characteristic of a particular country or area

B. a type of food that is filling and nourishing, often made with vegetables and meat

C. a type of building or structure that is very famous and easily recognized

D. a small, round piece of dough that is boiled or steamed and filled with meat, vegetables, or sweet ingredients

E. a large area of a country or world that has a particular characteristic or is different from other areas in some way

Activity 3: Further reading - Go online and find interesting things about Russia in order to answer these questions:

Trivia questions about Russia: 

1. What is the official language of Russia?

2. What is the capital of Russia?

3. What is the largest lake in Russia?

4. Who wrote the famous novel "War and Peace"?

5. What is the most popular sport in Russia?

6. What is the name of the largest museum in Russia?

7. What is the name of the famous ballet company based in Russia?

8. What is the name of the highest mountain in Russia?

9. What is the name of the famous street in Moscow known for its luxury shopping and restaurants?

10. What is the name of the famous onion-domed cathedral in St. Petersburg?