Russia
World's largest country - low costs in Moscow and historic cities
Key Scores
Why people move to Russia
Vast, complex, contradictory. Direct conversation, strong literary tradition, deep hospitality once trust is earned.
People, religion & languages
Low overall; moderate among under-35 in Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Russian Orthodox identity central; significant Muslim minority concentrated in Caucasus and Volga regions.
Culture & etiquette
What locals value and what to watch for
- Smile only when you mean it - fake smiles read as suspicious
- Accept vodka and zakuski (snacks) at toasts
- Bring odd-numbered flowers as a gift (even = funeral)
- Toast with eye contact
- Smiling at strangers (often misread)
- Bringing even-numbered flowers
- Loud political discussion with strangers
- Comparing Russia unfavourably with the West directly
Hardworking, social. Family meals long.
Warm in private; bureaucratic and currently complex to navigate due to sanctions and security context.
Holidays & food culture
Beyond stereotypes - strong soup tradition (borscht, ukha), dumplings, fish, fermented vegetables.
Lunch 13:00–15:00, dinner 19:00–21:00.
Orthodox fasting brings substantial veg tradition (~200 days/year). Cities have growing veg scenes.
Work culture & business norms
Single person, before income tax