Russians
There are about 145 million people in the country, 13 towns and cities with more than a million inhabitants - the largest of which are Moscow and St. Petersburg. Eighty per cent of the whole population are ethnic Russians (Slavs). More than a hundred different peoples or ethnic groups speak their own languages, but everybody knows Russian as well. Lots of Russians are atheists. Most believers are Orthodox Christians.
The most widespread Russian surnames are Kuznetsov, Ivanov, Petrov, Smirnov and Popov. First names Elena and Alexey. There are more women in Russia than men. Russian brides are famous in the whole world not only for their looks but also for their household skills. Many foreigners come to Russia with the special aim of finding beautiful Slav wives and taking them away to their homes.
The Russians harness slowly, but they ride fast. It's interesting to mention that these words, characterizing the Russian style pretty accurately, were said by the prominent German politician Otto von Bismark about one hundred and fifty 7 years ago. The Russians are a talented nation. We are proud of our famous fellow-countrymen. Russia gave the world Tolstoy, Dostoevsky and Chekhov. Five Russian authors Bunin, Sholokhov, Pasternak, Solzhenitsin and Brodsky were awarded with the Nobel Prize in literature. Music by Russian composers is played throughout the world Tschaikovsky, Rachmaninov, Stravinsky, Prokofiev, Shostakovich, Shnitke. Malevich and Kandinsky representatives of the so-called Russian avantguard became famous for their innovations in painting.
Discoveries and achievements by Russian scientists in chemistry, nuclear physics and aviation they're common knowledge. Some firsts of invention are regarded in Russia in a way different from that generally accepted. For example, foreigners become genuinely surprised when they learn that Russians consider themselves inventors of the first steam locomotive, electric bulb or radio. Nevertheless, there are lots of things where Russian firsts are of no doubt.
In 1961, Russia (then the USSR) first sent a man into space. Russian tanks, battle air-craft and famous Kalashnikov tommy-guns are definitely the best in the world, as well as the Russian classical ballet. The names of Anna Pavlova, Galina Ulanova, Maya Plisetskaya, Rudolf Nuriev and Mikhail Baryshnikov are known to each and every educated person. Equally obvious are the achievements of Russia in sports: traditionally high places in team scores at the Olympic Games, world records and titles of our swimmers, weight-lifters, gymnasts, figure-skaters. Among the world champions in chess there are more Russians than all others put together.
TEXT 7. Learn the info. Name three things you closely associate with Russia.
National Symbols of Russia
The national symbols of Russia are a part of the cultural heritage of the country which has given the country its national identity. These national symbols of Russia represent the significance of the traditional values and customs which have been a part of this country since ancient times.
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National Flag of Russia
The national flag of Russia is a tri color flag-white color which lies on the top, blue in the middle and red on the bottom. White stands for nobility and frankness; blue symbolizes loyalty, honesty, chastity and scarlet represents self-sacrifice, generosity and love. While some Russians believe that red means the land, blue stands for sky, and white symbolizes heaven.
National Anthem of Russia
In 1944, the national anthem of Russia was accepted. The music was composed by Alexander Alexandrov and the lyrics were written by Russian Federalist Sergey Mikhalkov. In 2000 some minor changes were made in the Russian national song.
Two-headed Eagle
The two-headed eagle first appeared in Russia, during the time of Moscovia, in the 15th century. Two-headed eagle has been the symbol of the monarchy of Russia for more than four hundred years. But with the advent of Russian revolution and dethroning of the Tsar Empire, it was on the verge of extinction. In 1993, under the initiative of President Boris Yeltsin it was again adopted on 30th November 1993. The two heads of the eagle stands for the two parts of vast Russian empire - European and Asian, which are believed to be an important part of the country of Russia.
Thus, an analysis of the background of the national symbols of Russia gives you an idea of the rich historical heritage of the country.
