Russia

1. Russia Kevin Patterson

2. Country Information Population:141,837,976 Religion: mix of Russian Orthodox, Muslim, and Buddhism Russia is the largest country in the world Russia’s land is 1/7th of the Worlds land Russia covers 8 time zones

3. Other Information The origin of the flag is said to have come from Peter the Great. Russian currency is the Russian Ruble and is .0306 of a U.S. dollar Russia’s flag has 3 sections The sections are white, blue, and red Russia’s flag is similar to Norway's

4. Things to know before traveling Due to civil and political unrest, the U.S. advises you not to go to North Russia There are still bombing and terrorist acts in North Russia The U.S. advises you not to drive at night and Russia has a zero-tolerance for alcohol The U.S. embassy has had reports on attacks on U.S. citizens by “skinheads” or other extremist While visiting Russia, be alert to your surroundings, take the same precautions against assault, robbery, or pickpockets that you would take in any large U.S. city

5. A Few Words Hello-привет Goodbye-до свидания Thank You-спасибо Where is the bathroom?-Где находится туалет? I don’t know-я не знаю

6. Making Appointments Make your appointments far in advance and do everything you can to avoid cancelation Don’t attempt to schedule your trip to Russia at the end of July or during the month of August, when that is the time families are taking vacations The Russian day begins early but it is difficult to foresee daily activities due to constant last minute changes. Allow time for each appointment, not only may the appointment start late, but they might last longer than planned Business hours are generally 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

7. Business Dress Russian proverb-"they meet you depending on how you're dressed and they say good bye depending on how wise you seem.“ Russian families spend more money on their clothing than any families in the nation Those who can’t afford the name brands prefer to dress in the cheaper but well made clothing, than the fake products throughout the country If you’re a man your best bet will be to wear a suit or tie, but not the same one everyday Jeans and sneakers can be accepted casual wear

8. Topics of Conversation Good Bad • Politics • Challenges of living in Russia • History • Children • Feelings and hopes for the future • World War II • Personal Questions • Compliments • Art (if you don’t know the Russian artists) • Holocaust • Czar and monarchy • religion

9. Addressing Others Only close friends address each other with the first name Addressing yourself with your family name is acceptable Learn titles of everyone you meet Refer to new people with a Mr. or Mrs. Russians use date of birth to differentiate between people with the same names

10. Acceptable Behavior Eye contact is important Smoking in public place is still a common occurrence The “thumbs up” is generally a good gesture Wearing your coat and winter boats in public places such as the office and theater is unacceptable It’s insulting to point at someone with your forefinger

11. Gift Giving Russians take pleasure in giving and receiving gifts Cheaper gifts do not have to be wrapped but expensive ones should Gifts for children are opened in private while adult gifts are opened in public When invited to a Russian home bring a dessert gift Flowers for women are a good idea

12. Negotiating Your business card should have a Russian side with the degrees you earned in college Have a contact outside of the negotiation who is an expert in Russian law While you conduct your presentation in English, any promotional items should be in Russian Russians few compromises as a sign of weakness Praising and rewarding someone in public is viewed with only suspicion

13. Entertaining Business breakfast is not popular, instead business dining is becoming popular The business dinner is usually the time for “sealing the deal” The center seats are reserved for the more senior officials Don’t begin eating until after the toast Your hands are expected to stay visible through the whole meal

14. Dining Chilled soups based on kvass Kholodets- large boiled meat in soup Bilini- pancakes usually eaten on festivals Medovukha- sweet, low-alcoholic drink Pirozhki- stuffed pies

15. Conclusion Russians will expect you to be on time There are certain subjects you should never talk about Always book your appointments ahead of time and try not to cancel Always use Mr. or Mrs. until you know the title of the person Know where your going, Russia is the largest country