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.

The cost of smoking to a country such as Russia will also be linked to the cost of looking after those who fall ill due to smoking. Smoking diseases such as cancers and respiratory infections severely eats into national health budgets of countries with millions of smokers such as Russia. At least for Russia, the leaders have come out condemning smoking calling it a tragedy for the nation. This is hardly the case in developing countries where leaders can not openly shame smoking due to fears of revenues drying up. This is particularly the case in China where 350million smokers contributes up to 8% in tax income to national coffers.

In June 2010 it was reported that Russia was introducing compulsory “Smoking Kills” signs on cigarette packaging. In addition packaging will also indicate the dangers of smoking such as cancers, wrinkles and impotence amongst men. The government of Russia through the ministry of finance is also aiming to increase tobacco taxes fully by 2011 as a way of discouraging smoking. Tobacco taxes have been shown to be very effective in reducing the numbers of people who smoke.

In fact there are two leading reasons why people who smoke stop smoking namely the fear of diseases associated with smoking and the financial burden of continued smoking. In Japan in particular the government there has evidently been able to cut back on smoking by simply increasing taxes. Smoking in Russia is so serious it is predicted should the trend continue the population will shrink from 142 million in 2010 to about 116 million in 2050.

As is the case in many other countries, the tragedy in Russia is that the government is still putting a lot more emphasis on reducing smoking cigarettes. Big tobacco appears to have since devised new strategies to get many more people hooked on smoking especially the young people. The new frontiers of the tobacco fight are now smokeless tobacco which is mostly chewing tobacco. As governments concentrate on eradicating smoking tobacco tobacco companies are intensifying chew tobacco advertising.

Work with your college or university’s study abroad program to ensure your credits transfer. The best time to do this is before you enroll in a study abroad program, since transfer requirements vary from college to college. You don’t want to find out at the end of the semester that your credit won’t transfer! Be sure to ask how studying in Russia will affect your transcript. The two most common accommodations for students are homestays with Russian families and dorms at Russian universities. Many families in Russia host foreign students in their flats for extra money. This is an extremely affordable option for students and can be a great way to learn more about Russian culture and family life. If you would rather meet many Russian and international students your own age, then dorm accommodations might be a better choice.

Although prices in Russia are low compared to the West, student ID cards make cultural events like museums, theatre, ballet, and opera even more affordable. Russia is known worldwide for its performing arts scene, and with a student ID, opera tickets can cost only a few dollars! While Russian student IDs give the biggest discounts, foreign student IDs can still open the door to substantial discounts. Relax and try new things. Although the language barrier can be challenging and frustrating, Russia is an exciting country full of opportunities. Remember that most people appreciate your efforts to speak their language, even if you’re not fluent yet. While class is important, the experiences of a new country are irreplaceable. Try new foods, go to a concert or holiday celebration with your host family, or visit the priceless treasures in the Hermitage’s Gold Room.

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.

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union more than a decade ago, more and more foreigners are traveling to Russia now for business and leisure. However, it can still be a difficult place if you are unable to speak their language. Fortunately, you will find that the Russians are incredibly warm and inviting hosts most of the time. If you are looking for some where that takes you away from the normal holiday routes then you should consider Russia as one of your must visit place.

The Trans-Siberian Railway or Trans-Siberian Railroad is a network of railways connecting Moscow and European Russia with the Russian Far East provinces, Mongolia, China and the Sea of Japan. During this journey, you will travel from Vladivostok Moscow to the wilds of Khabarovsk in the heart of Mongolia. You will also get to visit Lake Baikal and the snowcapped mountains of the Urals. This journey is a total of 6,135 miles in distance and you will pass through 8 different time zones during the journey. The trains are very comfortable, but it is the beauty of the country as you pass through the various areas that really gets an adventurer excited! However, if you think this a bit staid for an adventurous journey in Russia, you could try the following instead.

With this type of adventure travel, you are given a chance to add your name to the very small list of people who have already made this epic journey in the past. This is certainly the more challenging of any types of adventure travel that you may find, but it will be worth it when you reach the top of the world. When traveling through the Arctic you will notice that everything seems bigger, the icebergs are massive and the horizon just seems to go on forever. You will board an icebreaker at Murmansk, Russia and sail into the Barents Sea before breaking into the dense Arctic ice. You will experience an ever-changing panorama of wind-polished ice up to five meters thick and enjoy the immense polar landscapes from the Bridge or deck of the ship. And along the way, you can expect to encounter a variety of Arctic wildlife such as polar bears and walrus.

In accordance with national legislation of mature economies countries students that graduated any University registered by WHO have the same rights. No matter where University is. Much more important the personal merits of students. The most part of Russian Medical Universities is registered by WHO. In Russia people can enter undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate courses. The applying period begins in April every year.

The cost of medical education in Russia is much less than in Europe and USA. So in Russia the foreign students can get excellent education at acceptable price. Using the services of educational agents will help to escape a lot of problems in new country and always feel you safety. The cost of agent services is much lower than in other countries. They also can help with choosing of educational programs, Universities. When foreign students study in Russia they get a chance to learn the treasure culture of this the biggest country, to see the world famous places.

There are different agencies who can offer their help with entering medical Universities in Russia. One of well-known is Russian Educational Medical Center which can propose admission letters, invitations, accommodation services and other kind of help. It works with students of all nations and offers undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate, nursing courses.

St Petersburg and Moscow have pick pockets and muggers especially in and near railway stations. These may involve children and women. Theft from hotel rooms and cars is a problem. Beware of strangers in bars and night clubs who may spike your drinks in order to rob you. Several tourists have been held up at knife point in St Petersburg and robbed on public transport. Bogus police officers operate in both cities. Racist attacks may also occur by skinheads on Asians and Afro Caribbeans.

Moscow is the Capital of the largest geographical country in the world which has a population of over 145 million living in eleven time zones. 82 percent of the population are Russian with the other 18 percent being made up of more than one hundred nationalities. The official currency is the rouble, but American dollars are widely accepted.

The leading religions are Orthodox Christian, Muslim, Jewish and Buddist. Climate is moderate. The average temperature in July and August is 20 in December and January 10. The humidity is moderate. The Moscows winters are, as a rule, cold and snowy. Moscow is conveniently sited in the centre of Russias European part where the rivers Moskva and Yauza cross the Central Russian Plateau.

Russia today is a nation of enormous diversity and tremendous vitality. It is as if the cultural traditions of a century ago have re awakened with a newfound strength ancient cathedrals are being rebuilt and restored, colourful markets hum with activity once again and literature and the arts are quickly regaining the creative renown they enjoyed decades ago. A new Russia is now in full bloom.