Estimates suggest between 500,000 and over 1 million Russians left the country following the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, with numbers varying by source, but representing the largest exodus since the 1917 Revolution. Many fled to neighboring countries like Kazakhstan, Georgia, and Turkey, with significant numbers of young, educated individuals, including IT specialists, departing, though some have returned or moved on.
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, hundreds of thousands to over a million Russians have left the country, with estimates ranging from around 800,000 to over a million people, driven by fear of conscription, political repression, and economic uncertainty, primarily relocating to Kazakhstan, Georgia, Turkey, and Armenia. While some have returned, this significant "brain drain" includes many young, skilled professionals and has created labor shortages in Russia.
Russia has an estimated population of 146.0 million as of 1 January 2025, down from 147.2 million recorded in the 2021 census.
1) Everyone legitimately on the territory of the Russian Federation has the right to freedom of movement and choice of place of residence and abode within the Russian Federation. 2) Everyone may freely travel outside of the Russian Federation.
The French emperor—intent on conquering Europe—sent 600,000 troops into Russia. Six disastrous months later, only an estimated 100,000 made it out.
Wellington in contrast famously said that Napoleon's presence on the battlefield “was worth forty thousand men”. Privately he criticised his military and political rule, referring to him as 'Buonaparte' to emphasise his non-French origins. “His whole life, civil, political and military, was a fraud'.
“The Battle of Borodino, known to the French as the Battle of Moscowa, after the river by the village 75 miles west of Moscow, holds the distinction of being, even by the most conservative casualty estimates, the bloodiest single day of combat in military history.
FCDO advises against all travel to Russia due to the risks and threats from its continuing invasion of Ukraine, including: security incidents, such as drone attacks, and Russian air defence activity. lack of flights to return to the UK. limited ability for the UK government to provide support.
Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia and Poland have agreed to stop issuing Schengen visas to russian citizens and close the entry for russian tourists from September 19. Now Finland becomes the key corridor through which russian holders of Schengen visas reach the EU.
The leading cause of death in Russia is overwhelmingly diseases of the circulatory system, primarily ischemic heart disease and stroke, followed by cancers (especially lung cancer), with significant mortality also from external causes like accidents, alcohol poisoning, and suicide, reflecting high rates of preventable deaths compared to Western Europe. Cardiovascular diseases account for over half of all deaths, a much higher proportion than the European average.
🌍 Only about 25% of its land lies in Europe, but this small portion holds nearly 75% of Russia's population, including major cities like Moscow and Saint Petersburg.
As of late 2025/early 2026, India has surpassed China to become the world's most populous country, with both nations having populations exceeding 1.4 billion people, followed by the United States, Indonesia, and Pakistan.
Russian support for President Putin is generally reported by official polls and state media as very high, often exceeding 70-80%, peaking around the 2024 election at nearly 88% approval according to some sources, yet independent research suggests a more complex picture with varying levels of enthusiasm, significant fatigue with the war, and potential for a "rally 'round the flag" effect masking deeper concerns, with some estimates suggesting genuine, unconditional support might be lower, around 50-60%.
Russian is spoken by over 258 million people worldwide. By learning the language, students not only gain access to Russia but also to a vast Russian-speaking community spread across many countries, broadening their global perspectives.
According to the Public Diplomacy and Diaspora Affairs Minister of Israel, early 2012 there were 250,000 Jews in Ukraine, half of them living in Kyiv. According to the European Jewish Congress, as of 2014, 360,000–400,000 Jews remained.
Yes, Australians can technically travel to Russia and obtain visas, but the Australian Government strongly advises "Do Not Travel" due to high risks of arbitrary detention, arrest, and limited consular support, viewing Australia as an "unfriendly" nation. While visas are obtainable through the Russian Embassy/Consulate with specific documents (passport, photos, invitation, etc.), travelers face significant safety concerns and potential issues with flights, banking, and general treatment.
While Russians can be warm and welcoming, they also value their personal space. It's essential to keep a respectful distance, especially in public places or during initial meetings.
Travelers need a visa to visit Australia for Business or Tourism. An Australian eVisa is the fastest way to obtain a visa. Travelers can apply online. Once approved, travelers receive their eVisa confirmation electronically.
The Russian economy has been dealing with growing headwinds this year: unruly inflation, a ballooning budget deficit – due in part to massive military spending – and shrinking revenues from oil and natural gas. Economic growth has also slowed sharply.
Napoleon failed to conquer Russia in 1812 for several reasons: faulty logistics, poor discipline, disease, and not the least, the weather. Napoleon's method of warfare was based on rapid concentration of his forces at a key place to destroy his enemy.
General Mikhail Kutuzov was a charismatic Russian general, most remembered for his defense of Moscow against Napoleon.