For basic information and a statistical overview of United Nations member countries and links to local newspapers, visit:http://cyberschoolbus.un.org/infonation/index.asp

To review the on-line version of the World Factbook with information about this country as compiled by the CIA, please visit: http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/index.html


The following information is generalized and compiled from questions posed to the agents and interviewers in Russia. Although camp staff  from Russia may or may not have had these experiences/beliefs, Camp America wishes to share this general information with our Camp Directors.

Health

1. Most common inoculations
   Tuberculosis, polio, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, measles, mumps.
2. Innoculation for TB (Tuberculosis)
   Yes
3. Free health service
   Yes
4. Cost and regularity of visits to the dentist
   Quite inexpensive and some are free. Regularity depends on the individual.
5. "Eating Disorders"
   Not very common

Education

1. Total enrollment of all ages in school level 2 (corresponds to United States grades 7-12) divided by the population of the specific age groups that correspond to the school level: 95. This compares to the US’s ratio of 93 or the UK’s ratio of 178. Ratios may exceed 100 because some countries have many students from outside the normal age range.
2. Alternatives chosen if not attending university
   Work, study or become mothers.
3. Start and finish of the academic year
   September to June

English Language Skills

1. Is English a compulsory subject in the schools in your country?
   Yes
2. Description of the study of English in schools e.g. from what age English is taught, how many years is English compulsory, courses focused on written or oral skills
   Usually children start learning English from the age of 10, but in special language schools they start at the age of 7.

Childcare

1. Common attitudes to and types of discipline for children
   Children are very important; physical discipline is not allowed. Discussions usually take place between the child and parent to try and solve a problem. Most mothers only go back to work once the child is 2 - 3 years old.
2. Physical discipline of children
   Not at all.

Religion

1. Most common religions
   Orthodox Christian.
2. Practice of religion by young people
   Not often.
3. Would a young person choose to practice a religion that is different than their family's religion
   In general, Russians are not very interested in religion.
4. Common religious practices e.g. special practices or dietary restrictions
   No

Telephone

1. Telephones in the home
   Yes
2. Would most parents/family speak English well enough to take a message from an American Camp Director?
   No
3. Computer or e-mail access
   Yes, usually at an Internet cafe

Diet

1. Attitudes to eating meat
   Eating meat is acceptable
2. Vegetarianism
   Quite common
3. Other common dietary traditions
   Russians eat a lot of potatoes.

Miscellaneous

1. Freedom of their family to socialize and date
   Yes
2. Curfews at home
   It depends on the child and the family.
3. Are most young people accustomed to sharing in household chores?
   Yes
4. Is the population of your country racially or ethnically diverse?
   Ethnically and racially diverse
5. Three main characteristics of the people
   Cheerful, cordial, love for children
6. Attitudes to nudity both in and out of the home e.g. sunbathing in the nude?
   Conservative outlook

Additional useful information
Russians are very open and honest and like to discuss problems and situations.