The middle name is formed from the father’s first name. Male and female middle names have different endings. In Russia, it is necessary using both first and middle name when addressing people in formal. Learn how to use Russian names properly.

Matryoshka is a popular souvenir and is associated with Russia as well as balalaika, samovar or vodka. That is why Matryoshka is generally believed to have an age-long history. A mistake! Matryoshka is only about one hundred years young.

There is a Russian saying stating: "Only problem drinkers don’t toast before drinking". The famous Russian phrase "Na zda-ró-vye!" (Russian: Hа здоровье!) is actually not a drinking toast at all.

With Tetris a Russian computer specialist created an incredibly successful game that keeps fascinating people all over the world since more than 20 years.