Russia looms over the rest of Europe with its immense, inhuman size and dark, brutal history.   It is the largest country n the world, covering more than an eighth of the Earth’s land area.

Founded in the 12th century, the Principality of Moscovy was able to gradually conquer and absorb surrounding lands.  In the 17th century, the Romanov Dynasty continued this expansion eventually across Siberia to the Pacific and eventually to the Baltic Sea, Europe and Asia.  Under Peter the Great, Russia underwent important transformations.  he single-handedly changed the course of Russian history, turning it into a powerful state ranking among the other European powers.  But after a series of defeats the imperial household was overthrown in 1917, and the Communists seized power and formed the USSR.   In December 1991, the USSR splintered into Russia and 14 other republics.

Russia is now an exciting place to visit while never relenting on its tediously bureaucratic approach to life.