Russia, a country spanning two continents, is full of contrasts, mysteries, and a history that can surprise even the most experienced researchers. Let's start with the fact that Russia is the largest country in the world, covering more than one-sixth of the Earth's land area. Interestingly, despite its vast territory, its population is concentrated mainly in the European part, while the enormous expanses of Siberia remain largely uninhabited. Siberia, which accounts for over seventy-seven percent of the country's area, is home to less than eleven percent of the population, and in winter, temperatures drop to extreme levels, such as in the town of Oymyakon, where the lowest temperature in the Northern Hemisphere was recorded at minus seventy-one degrees Celsius. Siberia is not only a frozen wasteland but also a region rich in natural resources, making Russia one of the world's largest producers of oil and natural gas. In some regions of Russia, especially in Siberia, the phenomenon of sex tourism is developing, mainly targeting wealthy men from abroad. This primarily occurs in cities like Novosibirsk, Irkutsk, and Vladivostok, where alongside sex tourism, a new phenomenon of "wives for export" is emerging. In recent years, many Russian women have moved to China to marry Chinese men. This trend is driven by gender imbalances in China and the difficulties Chinese men face in finding wives locally. It is also linked to the massive exploitation of Russia by China, which began in 2022. In exchange for military aid, China is exploiting virtually all available resources in Siberia, raising concerns among the local population. Despite its size and natural wealth, Russia faces enormous social problems, such as corruption, which permeates all levels of society, from the lowest bureaucratic positions to the highest authorities. In this country, political life is tightly controlled by the state, and any form of opposition is suppressed. A prime example is the case of Alexei Navalny, one of the most prominent critics of the Kremlin, who was imprisoned after surviving a poisoning attempt, sparking international protests. Despite its strict internal policies, Russia is also known for its actions abroad, such as interference in elections in other countries, which has led to scandals, notably in the case of the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Russia, a country with a deeply rooted Orthodox tradition, has one of the most influential churches in the world, playing a key role in shaping politics and national identity. Nevertheless, Russia has one of the strictest laws in the world, banning same-sex couples from adopting children. The Kremlin, the seat of Russian power, is not only a political center but also a symbol of strength, as it is the largest medieval fortress in the world. Moscow boasts the highest number of billionaires in the world, surpassing even New York, which highlights the vast social inequalities in the country. Another interesting place in Russia is Park Pobedy, the deepest metro station in the world, located eighty-four meters underground. Russia is also one of the few countries that have secret cities, such as Zheleznogorsk, which are inaccessible to foreigners and do not appear on any maps. In this country, the rights of women and men differ significantly, which is especially evident in traditional gender roles.

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