Culture and Social Development of Russia
Cultural Photos
Cultural maps of Russia
Country Statistics
Change in Russia Over time
Economy
- As you can see from above graph, Russia's GDP per Capita gradually increased over time. Especially during Cold war era, Russia became the most powerful country among communist countries. This made Russia to become the center of trade in Europe, so Russia's GDP per capita increased tremendously during this period. After the disintegration of Soviet Union, Russian economy experienced slump for a while, so GDP per capita decreased slightly. However, Russia successfully went through economic transition, and formed great market economy again. Thus, GDP per capita increased again.
(Country Studies, 1996)
- As you can see from above graph, Russia's GDP per Capita gradually increased over time. Especially during Cold war era, Russia became the most powerful country among communist countries. This made Russia to become the center of trade in Europe, so Russia's GDP per capita increased tremendously during this period. After the disintegration of Soviet Union, Russian economy experienced slump for a while, so GDP per capita decreased slightly. However, Russia successfully went through economic transition, and formed great market economy again. Thus, GDP per capita increased again.
(Country Studies, 1996)
Democracy:
It is interesting to see how democracy score fluctuate over time. During 1800's Russia has very low democracy score, because the idea of democracy was not introduced to Russia during this period. During early 1900's, Russian evolution occurred and people gathered together to establish their new government, which explains why Russia has a high democratic score during this period. However, after a while, Russia went under the dictatorship, and democracy score had decreased rapidly. This decrease of democracy score continued as Russia formed Soviet Union with communist system. However, after the disintegration of Soviet Union in 1990's, Russia have been democratized gradually, so democracy score increased again.
(George Washington University, 2007)
It is interesting to see how democracy score fluctuate over time. During 1800's Russia has very low democracy score, because the idea of democracy was not introduced to Russia during this period. During early 1900's, Russian evolution occurred and people gathered together to establish their new government, which explains why Russia has a high democratic score during this period. However, after a while, Russia went under the dictatorship, and democracy score had decreased rapidly. This decrease of democracy score continued as Russia formed Soviet Union with communist system. However, after the disintegration of Soviet Union in 1990's, Russia have been democratized gradually, so democracy score increased again.
(George Washington University, 2007)
Health:
Although Russia's economy has grown gradually since the disintegration of Soviet Union, Health Expenditure from Russian government has slightly decreased. Russian government has cut health expenditure budget gradually, because they decide to use more money on security and defense rather than health service. Decreased health expenditure by Russian government have caused inferior medical system in Russia. Low life expectancy for Russia (69.85 years) proves how decrease in health expenditure causes Russian citizens to have low health status.
(Russia Beyond the Headlines, 2013)
Although Russia's economy has grown gradually since the disintegration of Soviet Union, Health Expenditure from Russian government has slightly decreased. Russian government has cut health expenditure budget gradually, because they decide to use more money on security and defense rather than health service. Decreased health expenditure by Russian government have caused inferior medical system in Russia. Low life expectancy for Russia (69.85 years) proves how decrease in health expenditure causes Russian citizens to have low health status.
(Russia Beyond the Headlines, 2013)
Religion Chart of Russia
analysis of Relgions in Russia
Although most of Russians are non-religious,Islam and Russian Orthodox Church (Body of Christianity) are two main religions in Russia. Especially,Russian orthodox church is Russia's unique type of religion. According to the lore, Christianity is first introduced in 1st century by apostle Andrew. However, Christianity didn't really spread out to whole Russia until missionaries from Byzantine Empire came to Kievan Rus (old Russian kingdom). After Christianity was delivered by missionaries in Russia, Russia became Christianized rapidly. Major churches built in 10th century and monasteries started to develop in 11th century. Russia developed their own way of Christianity during this period (Russian orthodox) and flourished until 19th century. During 19th -20th century, As Soviet union declared atheism as the truth, Russian Orthodox church was persecuted a lot. Many believers were persecuted, tortured and prevented from prominent careers. After the disintegration of Soviet Union, Russian Orthodox church regained the freedom, but only few people remained as believers because of persecution during Soviet Union era. Still, Russian Orthodox remains as main religion in Russia.
(Russian-Crafts 2007)(Country Studies 2013)(3saints 2013)
Islam first appeared in Russia after the conquest of Arab in 8th century. During this period, the first Muslim state called Volga Bulgaria was established. Many Tatars, Turkic people, Europeans and Caucasians became Muslims this time. However, After this period, Islam in religion suffered from long-term repression. During 15th century to 17th century, Islam received persecution under Russian Empire. Russian empire held policy of exclusion, discrimination and even removal of Muslim culture in Russia. A number of mosques were destroyed, and believers were persecuted and tortured. Also, under Soviet union, like other religions, Islam was oppressed. Again, many mosques were destroyed and Muslims were mistreated. Today, Islam is recovering from long-term oppression. Union of Muslims of Russia was established in 1995 and Many Muslim cities such as Kazan was established.
(Islam.ru 2011)(Country Studies 2013)(Islamdag.Info 2013)
Russian Orthodox church affected social development and forming cultural mood greatly. Firstly,Many philosophies and values of Russian Orthodox church flowed in to Russian Society and those became social value of Russia. For instance, Religious leaders of church strongly believed that men are center of family and society and women's role is to support men. This philosophy developed as a cultural norm and made Russia extremely patriarchal society. Secondly, Russian church has participated Russian politics in history. During early Russian Empire period, Russian Orthodox church was designated as national religion, and state power and religion was not separated. Thus/ many priests had great power and authority in making political decisions and action. Their power has diminished after church and government separated. However, Russian Orthodox still have influence on Russian Politics. For instance, many believers supported passing Anti-homosexual law in Russia, and because of Russian churches' influence, this law was passed in court.
(UTAustin 2013)(National Catholic Reporter 2013)(Country Studies 2013)
Compared to Russian Orthodox church, Islam had relatively little influence in social development in Russia. Islam did not become a major religious force that have social influence in Russia because of Russian orthodox church. However, they Muslims in Russia did formed their unique society in some cities. There are seven Muslim republic of Russian Federation such as Dagestan and Chechnya.
Also, there are public organizations like Islamic Cultural Center of Russia which helps expanding Islamic culture in Russia.
(Valdai Club 2013)(Islam.ru 2013)
The most important sacred place of Russian Orthodox is called "Sergiev Posad." which is located in Moscow. This place is regarded as center of Russian orthodoxy and pilgrimage place of entire Russia. Many religious relics, churches and religious organizations are located in here. Novgorod is another sacred place of Russian Orthodox. It is known as one of the oldest cities in Russia, St.Sophia cathedral, which is regarded as symbol of Christian spirituality, is located in here.There is no specific sacred place of Islam in Russia, because Islam is first appeared and developed in Middle East. Thus, many Muslims in Russia take pilgrimage to Mecca (the most sacred place of Islam in Jerusalem) and other sacred places in the Middle East.
(Sacred Sites 2013)
During early Russian Empire, Russian Orthodox Church had a great authority, so religious leaders had tremendous influence on government's decision. However, today, there is no direct connection between Russian religions and government. A number of believers try to enforce their religious philosophies as a law, so they participate various political activities, but it doesn't affect government's decision very much.
(Country Studies 2013)
(Russian-Crafts 2007)(Country Studies 2013)(3saints 2013)
Islam first appeared in Russia after the conquest of Arab in 8th century. During this period, the first Muslim state called Volga Bulgaria was established. Many Tatars, Turkic people, Europeans and Caucasians became Muslims this time. However, After this period, Islam in religion suffered from long-term repression. During 15th century to 17th century, Islam received persecution under Russian Empire. Russian empire held policy of exclusion, discrimination and even removal of Muslim culture in Russia. A number of mosques were destroyed, and believers were persecuted and tortured. Also, under Soviet union, like other religions, Islam was oppressed. Again, many mosques were destroyed and Muslims were mistreated. Today, Islam is recovering from long-term oppression. Union of Muslims of Russia was established in 1995 and Many Muslim cities such as Kazan was established.
(Islam.ru 2011)(Country Studies 2013)(Islamdag.Info 2013)
Russian Orthodox church affected social development and forming cultural mood greatly. Firstly,Many philosophies and values of Russian Orthodox church flowed in to Russian Society and those became social value of Russia. For instance, Religious leaders of church strongly believed that men are center of family and society and women's role is to support men. This philosophy developed as a cultural norm and made Russia extremely patriarchal society. Secondly, Russian church has participated Russian politics in history. During early Russian Empire period, Russian Orthodox church was designated as national religion, and state power and religion was not separated. Thus/ many priests had great power and authority in making political decisions and action. Their power has diminished after church and government separated. However, Russian Orthodox still have influence on Russian Politics. For instance, many believers supported passing Anti-homosexual law in Russia, and because of Russian churches' influence, this law was passed in court.
(UTAustin 2013)(National Catholic Reporter 2013)(Country Studies 2013)
Compared to Russian Orthodox church, Islam had relatively little influence in social development in Russia. Islam did not become a major religious force that have social influence in Russia because of Russian orthodox church. However, they Muslims in Russia did formed their unique society in some cities. There are seven Muslim republic of Russian Federation such as Dagestan and Chechnya.
Also, there are public organizations like Islamic Cultural Center of Russia which helps expanding Islamic culture in Russia.
(Valdai Club 2013)(Islam.ru 2013)
The most important sacred place of Russian Orthodox is called "Sergiev Posad." which is located in Moscow. This place is regarded as center of Russian orthodoxy and pilgrimage place of entire Russia. Many religious relics, churches and religious organizations are located in here. Novgorod is another sacred place of Russian Orthodox. It is known as one of the oldest cities in Russia, St.Sophia cathedral, which is regarded as symbol of Christian spirituality, is located in here.There is no specific sacred place of Islam in Russia, because Islam is first appeared and developed in Middle East. Thus, many Muslims in Russia take pilgrimage to Mecca (the most sacred place of Islam in Jerusalem) and other sacred places in the Middle East.
(Sacred Sites 2013)
During early Russian Empire, Russian Orthodox Church had a great authority, so religious leaders had tremendous influence on government's decision. However, today, there is no direct connection between Russian religions and government. A number of believers try to enforce their religious philosophies as a law, so they participate various political activities, but it doesn't affect government's decision very much.
(Country Studies 2013)
Cuisine of russia
Ukha
Russian people tend to eat more fish than other countries, because Russian Orthodox religion has certain period that forbids meat from their diet. Also, it is hard to raise livestock like cow and pig and Russia due to a cold weather. Hence, a number of Russians used other types of ingredients as their food. Thus, many cuisines with fish and vegetables became notable food of Russia. Ukha (Fish soup) is one of the most well known Russian cuisines.
(Russiapedia 2013)
Ukha means "ear" in Russian. It's quite strange, because fish don't have ears. In fact, originally, Ukha had nothing to do with fish. It was actually soup made out of leftover parts of pigs and cows, including ears. However, as time passes, people constantly changed the recipe of Ukha, and eventually it became a fish soup.
(Dividing My Time 2013)
Below is the recipe of Ukha fish soup.
Ingredients:
- 1 chopped onion, 1 chopped carrot, 1 chopped salary, 1 juiced lemon, 1 lb of fish pillet, 6 thin slices of lime, 4-5 cups of water, salt and white pepper.
Method:
Pour water in a large saucepan and boil it. (High heat) When water is boiled, slowly put all the vegetables in the sauce pan. Heat for 10 to 15 minutes. Then put fish in there and reduce the heat to low. After 10 minutes pour the juiced lemon, put sliced lime and season with salt and white pepper.
(allrecipe.com 2013) (Ruscuisine.com 2013)
(Russiapedia 2013)
Ukha means "ear" in Russian. It's quite strange, because fish don't have ears. In fact, originally, Ukha had nothing to do with fish. It was actually soup made out of leftover parts of pigs and cows, including ears. However, as time passes, people constantly changed the recipe of Ukha, and eventually it became a fish soup.
(Dividing My Time 2013)
Below is the recipe of Ukha fish soup.
Ingredients:
- 1 chopped onion, 1 chopped carrot, 1 chopped salary, 1 juiced lemon, 1 lb of fish pillet, 6 thin slices of lime, 4-5 cups of water, salt and white pepper.
Method:
Pour water in a large saucepan and boil it. (High heat) When water is boiled, slowly put all the vegetables in the sauce pan. Heat for 10 to 15 minutes. Then put fish in there and reduce the heat to low. After 10 minutes pour the juiced lemon, put sliced lime and season with salt and white pepper.
(allrecipe.com 2013) (Ruscuisine.com 2013)
Other Useful Resources
1) http://masterrussian.com/russianculture/Russian_Culture.htm
- explains diverse cultural elements of Russia by categories. You can get general cultural mood and outline of Russia from this website.
2) http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/russia-country-profile.html
- This website explains Russian culture with realistic approach rather than theoretical approach. It tells us some important manners, thoughts, etiquettes, and customs in Russia.
3) http://www.everyculture.com/No-Sa/Russia.html
- This website has very detailed information about Russian culture. it is quite lengthy, but it covers almost every aspects of Russian culture.
Bibliography:
1) Petrenko, V. (n.d.). Russian authorities plan to cut health spending in 2013 | Russia Beyond The Headlines . Russia Beyond The Headlines: Top Stories . Retrieved September 29, 2013, from http://rbth.ru/articles/2013/01/12/russian_authorities_plan_to_cut_health_spending_in_2013_21817.html
2)Ozernoy, M., & Samsonova, T. (n.d.). Political History of Russian Bureaucracy and Roots of Its Power. George Washington University. Retrieved October 1, 2013, from www.gwu.edu/~ieresgwu/assets/docs/demokratizatsiya%20archive/03-3_OzernoySamsonova.PDF
3)Russia - The Economy. (n.d.). Country Studies. Retrieved October 1, 2013, from http://countrystudies.us/russia/55.htm
4)Ahkmetova, Elmira. "Islam In Russia | islam.ru." Islam In Russia | islam.ru. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Oct. 2013. <http://islam.ru/en/content/story/islam-russia>.
5)Islam in Russia. (n.d.). IslamDag.info. Retrieved October 16, 2013, from http://www.islamdag.info/category/tags/islam-russia
6)Malashenko, A. (n.d.). Valdai. Валдай. Discussion club. Международный Дискуссионный Клуб.. The Dynamics of Russian Islam. Retrieved October 23, 2013, from http://valdaiclub.com/politics/54680.html
7)Russia - Islam. (n.d.). Russia - Islam. Retrieved October 16, 2013, from http://countrystudies.us/russia/40.htm
8)History of Russian Orthodox Church. (n.d.). History of Russian Orthodox Church. Retrieved October 16, 2013, from http://russian-crafts.com/customs/russian-church-history.htm
9)Manson, J. (n.d.). The Orthodox Church's role in Russia's anti-gay laws. National Catholic Reporter. Retrieved October 16, 2013, from http://ncronline.org/blogs/grace-margins/orthodox-church-s-role-russia-s-anti-gay-laws
10) The Russian Orthodox Church. (n.d.). University of Texas-Austin. Retrieved October 16, 2013, from http://www.utexas.edu/
11)Sacred Sites of Russia. (n.d.). Sacred Sites. Retrieved October 16, 2013, from http://sacredsites.com/europe/russia/sacred_sites_of_russia.html
12) Dividing My Time. (n.d.). Ukha: Russia's Oldest Soup. Retrieved November 25, 2013, from http://dividingmytime.typepad.com/my-blog/2011/05/ukha-russias-oldest-soup.html
13) Of Russian origin: Ukha. (n.d.).Russiapedia. Retrieved November 25, 2013, from http://russiapedia.rt.com/of-russian-origin/ukha/
14) Ukha Fish soup recipe. (n.d.). - RusCuisine.com. Retrieved November 25, 2013, from http://www.ruscuisine.com/recipes/fish-and-seafood/n--132/
15)Ukha (Russian Fish Soup). (n.d.).Allrecipes.com. Retrieved November 25, 2013, from http://allrecipes.com/recipe/ukha-russian-fish-soup/
1) http://masterrussian.com/russianculture/Russian_Culture.htm
- explains diverse cultural elements of Russia by categories. You can get general cultural mood and outline of Russia from this website.
2) http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/russia-country-profile.html
- This website explains Russian culture with realistic approach rather than theoretical approach. It tells us some important manners, thoughts, etiquettes, and customs in Russia.
3) http://www.everyculture.com/No-Sa/Russia.html
- This website has very detailed information about Russian culture. it is quite lengthy, but it covers almost every aspects of Russian culture.
Bibliography:
1) Petrenko, V. (n.d.). Russian authorities plan to cut health spending in 2013 | Russia Beyond The Headlines . Russia Beyond The Headlines: Top Stories . Retrieved September 29, 2013, from http://rbth.ru/articles/2013/01/12/russian_authorities_plan_to_cut_health_spending_in_2013_21817.html
2)Ozernoy, M., & Samsonova, T. (n.d.). Political History of Russian Bureaucracy and Roots of Its Power. George Washington University. Retrieved October 1, 2013, from www.gwu.edu/~ieresgwu/assets/docs/demokratizatsiya%20archive/03-3_OzernoySamsonova.PDF
3)Russia - The Economy. (n.d.). Country Studies. Retrieved October 1, 2013, from http://countrystudies.us/russia/55.htm
4)Ahkmetova, Elmira. "Islam In Russia | islam.ru." Islam In Russia | islam.ru. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Oct. 2013. <http://islam.ru/en/content/story/islam-russia>.
5)Islam in Russia. (n.d.). IslamDag.info. Retrieved October 16, 2013, from http://www.islamdag.info/category/tags/islam-russia
6)Malashenko, A. (n.d.). Valdai. Валдай. Discussion club. Международный Дискуссионный Клуб.. The Dynamics of Russian Islam. Retrieved October 23, 2013, from http://valdaiclub.com/politics/54680.html
7)Russia - Islam. (n.d.). Russia - Islam. Retrieved October 16, 2013, from http://countrystudies.us/russia/40.htm
8)History of Russian Orthodox Church. (n.d.). History of Russian Orthodox Church. Retrieved October 16, 2013, from http://russian-crafts.com/customs/russian-church-history.htm
9)Manson, J. (n.d.). The Orthodox Church's role in Russia's anti-gay laws. National Catholic Reporter. Retrieved October 16, 2013, from http://ncronline.org/blogs/grace-margins/orthodox-church-s-role-russia-s-anti-gay-laws
10) The Russian Orthodox Church. (n.d.). University of Texas-Austin. Retrieved October 16, 2013, from http://www.utexas.edu/
11)Sacred Sites of Russia. (n.d.). Sacred Sites. Retrieved October 16, 2013, from http://sacredsites.com/europe/russia/sacred_sites_of_russia.html
12) Dividing My Time. (n.d.). Ukha: Russia's Oldest Soup. Retrieved November 25, 2013, from http://dividingmytime.typepad.com/my-blog/2011/05/ukha-russias-oldest-soup.html
13) Of Russian origin: Ukha. (n.d.).Russiapedia. Retrieved November 25, 2013, from http://russiapedia.rt.com/of-russian-origin/ukha/
14) Ukha Fish soup recipe. (n.d.). - RusCuisine.com. Retrieved November 25, 2013, from http://www.ruscuisine.com/recipes/fish-and-seafood/n--132/
15)Ukha (Russian Fish Soup). (n.d.).Allrecipes.com. Retrieved November 25, 2013, from http://allrecipes.com/recipe/ukha-russian-fish-soup/