Created in the 12th century, Russia was originally a much smaller country. Known as Muscovy, the country was formed in the golden ring area surrounding present day Moscow. After being dominated by the Mongols for a few hundred years, the country began to slow start conquering lands and expanding. Russia as we know it today didn’t really form until Peter the Great came on the scene. A very tall man, Peter the Great could be considered the first great real estate investor of Russia. During his reign, Peter conquered all of the lands between Moscow and the Pacific Ocean. Russia is simply a huge country. From east to west, the country is so big you can travel for seven days on a train and still not make it all the way across.

During the 20th century, Russia converted from a rather corrupt monarchy to communism. Alas, communism didn’t turn out to be much better with leaders such as Joseph Stalin indiscriminately slaughtering much of the population through ill advised planning. Eventually, the Russians changed their mind and converted to a rough form of Democracy in 1991. Thereafter, the various satellite companies controlled by the former Soviet Union began breaking off and claiming independence. Democracy has been an up and down prospect for Russia. While Ferraris drive the streets of Moscow, the rest of the country can go months without heating. This contrast brings up a unique aspect of the cultural heritage of Russia.

In Russia, it is all about Moscow. Moscow gets everything first, while the rest of the country is really left to fend for itself. If you travel through Russia, you’ll be stunned at the differences including infrastructure and standard of living. Russia has gone through fits and starts in the change to Democracy. The Russian Mafia is legendary and has its hands in everything. At one point in the late 90s, only 7 percent of people paid taxes. Fortunately, things have begun to turn around under the reign of President Vladimir Putin. The mafia has lost some of its power or at least become less obvious. The foreign debt while represented 90 percent of the gross domestic product is now down into the teens. Real income for ordinary Russians is growing at about 12 percent on average. All and all, the country finally seems to be getting its ducks in a row.

Russia is the largest country in the world. This means an endless list of interesting sights to see, as well as a wide assortment of things to buy. If you have limited funds, though, or not enough room in your luggage, here are some of the most popular items you can bring home as souvenirs of your holidays in Russia. Vodka – Ask what Russia is known for and most people will answer ‘vodka’. After all, bottles of vodka are widely produced in Russia. They are considered the best vodka, too, and the strongest, with about 40% alcohol content.

Russian champagne is excellent, too, and is nearly as widely available although it was once reserved only for the Russian aristocracy. If you don’t like having a bottle in your suitcase, though, you can bring an ornamental metal box of Krasnodar tea as an alternative souvenir of your holidays in Russia. Matryoshka dolls – First made in 1890, Matryoshka dolls or Russian nesting dolls are another popular Russian souvenir. They are especially popular for their unique style and can be an interesting display for your living room.

These beautiful boxes make great gifts and souvenirs of your holidays in Russia. You’ll have to distinguish between the authentic ones and the mass-produced ones, though. It’s easy – the real ones are far more expensive and come with a certificate of authenticity. Amber is a fossilized resin often classified as a gemstone, and most of it can be found on the shores of the Baltic Sea. Because of this, amber pendants and beads are sold in most Russian souvenir shops. If you want something more classy, you can buy Alexandrites instead, which are rarer than diamonds and change color depending on the light source. Keep in mind that they are more expensive, too, though.

Fur hats – Also called Ushanka, Russian fur hats are considered one of the most stylish hats in the world. They are very practical during the winter, too, especially since they come with ear flaps. Whether you come from a country with freezing temperatures from time to time or simply want to make a fashion statement, it’s a good idea to buy Russian fur hats as souvenirs of your holidays in Russia.