Compass: Russia

A difficult problem presents itself ceaselessly to the Russian – the problem of organizing his vast territory. The immensity of Russia, the absence of boundaries, was expressed in the structure of the Russian soul. The landscape of the Russian soul corresponds with the landscape of Russia, the same boundlessness, formlessness, reaching out into infinity.”

– Nikolai Berdyaev

Russia is the world’s largest country and it has shores on three oceans (Pacific, Atlantic and Acrtic). The diverse landscape ranges from marshes to mountains  and deserts, both sandy and frozen–all that serve as home to a variety of wildlife and ecosystems.

Within Russia you can find a medley of cultures (120 ethnic groups), languages (more than 100) and people. The majority of citizens can trace their ancestry to the Slavs who settled in Mother Russia nearly 2,000 years ago. Other groups descend from the Tatars who came with the Mongols and Ukrainians.

Russia‘s contributions to the arts and literature are rich and timeless from Leo Tolstoy (writer whose nephew we’ve met) to composers like Tchaikovsky, just to name a few.

Having lived in and traveled to parts of Russia we have an affinity for this country. The people are warm, passionate and hospitable and they are certainly not a reflection of their government.

Enjoy learning more about Mother Russia–her treasures and her history.