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We’ve come up with a list of 10 things you might not know about Russia, which we think you’ll find fascinating.

If knowing useless facts – like where the largest McDonald’s is – is what makes you tick, read on. With these weird and wonderful Russia facts, you’ll be winning your local pub quiz in no time.

1. Largest country by area 

Covering 17 million square km, which is more than a ninth of the Earth’s land area, Russia is the largest country in the world by area. – Woah, that is impressive! 

10 facts about Russia
Trans-Siberian - 10 facts about Russia

2 – Largest Railway 

Russia is home to Trans-Siberian, which is the world’s largest railway. Departing from Moscow and crossing into Asia the journey non-stop would take 152 hours and 27 minutes! – Would you be interested in doing this trip? 

3. More women than men 

There are around 11 million more women than men in Russia, that is 86 men for 100 women! The life expectancy for women is 75 yrs whereas men are expected to live to the age of 64 yrs.

10 facts about Russia
Coldest-place-in-Russia

4. Home to the coldest place on Earth

Oymyakon is located in Russia and is the coldest permanently inhabited place on Earth! In February 1933 the weather station recorded a temperature of -68C. We thought England was cold… 

5. Biggest McDonald’s in the world 

If you’re a fan of the big golden M, you are in luck. Russia is home to the largest McDonald’s restaurant in the world and has over 700 seats!

10 facts about Russia
10 facts about Russia

6. Deepest lake in the world 

Russia’s Lake Baikal is the deepest in the world and contains around 65 native fish species.

7. Top oil producer 

Producing around 11 million barrels of oil per day, Russia is the top oil producer and has been on the top of the list for many years.

10 facts about Russia

8. Not one but 11 time zones 

Russia has 11 local time zones, which is almost the most in the world. France is only just ahead with 12 (which includes its overseas territories).

9. Russia shares borders with 14 countries 

Russia shares borders with more countries than any other in the world including: Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Belarus, Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, China and North Korea.

Russia map - 10 facts about Russia
10 facts about Russia

10. Fastest train schedule 

During rush hour in Moscow, trains are scheduled every 90 seconds. It is estimated that over 9 million passengers ride the metro everyday. And an extra fact the metro in St Petersburg is the deepest subway is the world.