History of Russia

On the 14th of September, 1812, when Bonaparte entered the city, it was fired by the Russians, and continued burning for several days, destroying more than three-quarters of the city - then more than than twenty miles in circumference - compelling the French army to retreat from the flames. Thirty thousand sick and wounded perished in the flames.

"Russia, formerly called Muscovy, mus'ko-ve, is the largest state in the world, comprising the whole of the N. of Europe and Asia, between lat. 38° 20' and 78° N., lon. 17° 40' and 190° E. Surface estimated to comprise one-twenty-sixth of the superficies of the globe, one-seventh of its land, and more than double the extent of Europe, the total area being (as shown in the table) 8,352,940 square miles; coast-line, 25,000 miles. It is but thinly peopled. Pop. (1870) 87,795,987. Capital, St. Petersburg. It is usual to treat of the empire as divided into European and Asiatic Russia, although these divisions are not officially recognized..."

Population of Russian Empire (excludes Finland and Poland) - 119,546,234

Russian People Tickled Pink at Success of Their Sputnik

MOSCOW (AP) - The Russian people are tickled pink that their scientists have grabbed the lead from the Americans in the satellite field. But they're not surprised about their Sputnik - Russian for earth satellite.

The Russian people believe Soviet science leads the world. They do not see Western newspaper and magazines, and know little of scientific development outside the Communist world.

Amid the jubilant newspaper and radio accounts of the first man-made moon circling the earth the Soviet government newspaper Izvestia and several leading scientists announced the next targets in the satellite program.

Soon, they said, will come bigger satellites than the 184-pound sphere now aloft.

In time (the Russians didn't say when) a satellite will be sent up which can be brought back to earth intact and will not burn up when it re-enters denser atmosphere as the Sputnik will.

AND THEN, the statements added, the Russians ...

Russian children believe in Grandfather Frost. They think he is a neighbor to Santa Claus at the North Pole who comes in a horse-drawn troika sleigh with presents for children.

Moscow:

Red Square and the Kremlin: Start your journey in Moscow at the iconic Red Square. Explore the historic Kremlin complex, visit St. Basil's Cathedral, and see Lenin's Mausoleum.

Bolshoi Theatre: Enjoy a ballet or opera performance at the renowned Bolshoi Theatre, known for its world-class productions.

Tretyakov Gallery: Explore Russian art and culture at the Tretyakov Gallery, home to an extensive collection of Russian masterpieces.

GUM Department Store: Shop for luxury goods and traditional Russian products in this historic shopping arcade.

Izmailovsky Market: Hunt for unique souvenirs, crafts, and antiques in this bustling market.

Sparrow Hills: Take in panoramic views of Moscow from Sparrow Hills and visit the Moscow State University campus.

Moscow Metro: Explore the ornate and beautifully decorated metro stations, often referred to as "underground palaces."

St. Petersburg:

Hermitage Museum: Discover art and history at the Hermitage, one of the...

A full Russian name consists of personal (given) name, patronymic, and family name (surname).

Most Russian family names originated from patronymics, that is, father's name usually formed by adding the adjective suffix -ov(a) or -ev(a). Contemporary patronymics, however, have a substantive suffix -ich for masculine and the adjective suffix -na for feminine.

For example, the proverbial triad of most common Russian surnames follows:

Ivanov (son of Ivan),
Petrov (son of Peter),
Sidorov (son of Sidor).
Feminine forms of these surnames have the ending -a:

Ivanova (daughter of Ivan),
Petrova (daughter of Peter),
Sidorova (daughter of Sidor).
Such a pattern of name formation is not unique to Russia or even to the Eastern and Southern Slavs in general; quite common are also names derived from professions, places of origin, and personal characteristics, with various suffixes (e.g. -in(a) and -sky (-skaya)).

Professions:

kuznets (smith) → Kuznetsov—Kuznetsova
portnoi...