The culture of Russia today is the result of many different influences of the past. Many different people have lived and left their mark in this diverse country. Historically the Russian culture has been at a minimun influenced by Vikings, Mongols, Byzantines, Turks, and Western Europeans. Combine those influences with the influence of the Orthodox Church and you have a truly wonderful and unique culture.

What do Russians speak? Today the official language is Russian. This is the language of the government and business and is the native language of close to half the population. As one travels east and to the south to the Central Asian Republics you will hear an assortment of other languages as well.

Russia has over 50,000 state public libraries (39,000 of these rural) in total possession of over a billion books, and the stock is steadily growing. Every general-educational school and the majority of offices and large factories have libraries of their own. Close to 1,500 museums cover practically all fields of knowledge-historical , ethnographic, memorial, of folk crafts, fine and applied arts, theatre, music, natural sciences, technology, and many others. Museums-reserves have lately come into the foreground.

Russians are fond of live performances at theatres and since tickets are affordable (prices in cinemas and theatres are comparable), they enjoy attending theatres: opera, musical, ballet, drama etc. Usually every city has a few theatres. Despite all the problems of contemporary Russian life, the number of theatres is growing. Up to fifty new companies have appeared in 1993-1994. All told, Russia has 413 companies, with drama accounting for over half. Since 1989 local budgets have financed theatres to encourage provincial theatre. There are 31 languages of acting in our multi-ethnic country. Some ethnic companies are top-notch, and worthy rivals of Moscow theatres.

There are two basic forms of folk art in Russia, handicrafts practiced on a broad scale and works of art created by gifted persons working at home. Articles fashioned from marble, glass, ceramics, metal, or ornamental textiles have really become part of our lives, adding a touch of beauty and hannony to our daily existence.