The rich history of Russia is a chronicle of military victories and labor achievements of many generations of our ancestors, vivid examples of selfless service to the Motherland. With their hard work, will, talent and inspiration, they created a great power, multiplied its cultural and spiritual potential, and protected it from enemies. And of course, we will always be proud of the immortal feat of our people during the Great Patriotic War, the courage and heroism of our fathers and grandfathers, who defended their native land, saved Europe and the world from Nazism.
It is important that as many people in various countries as possible receive truthful, objective, honest information about our country, its history, culture and traditions. They could get acquainted with our achievements in economics, science, art, sports.
I am sure that this informative publication, timed to coincide with the 75th anniversary of the Great Victory, will be of interest to a large circle of readers and will significantly expand their understanding of Russia.
V. Putin
The Book on Russia is an illustrated publication about our country, its historical trajectory, symbols, images, spirit and people. Russia is not just a large country, occupying 1/7 of the land on our planet. Russia is a civilisation. Each civilisation is unique in its own way, and it chooses its own path. The path of Russia is a millennia-long history with exploits of its people and their selfless work, their victories and breakthroughs, trials andtribulations, great culture and science, prominent figures and millions of ordinary Russians who love their Motherland, defend it and advance it forward. Russia is so diverse that it is impossible to cover the whole ground of what is dear and important to us in a single book, no matter how big it is. But with that said, we gave it a try, and it is our hope that the exposure to this publication will urge you, our dear readers, to learn more, and in greater detail, about the past and present of Russia. This edition of The Book on Russia is dedicated to the 75th anniversary of Victory of our country in the Great Patriotic War, and is intended to remind the readership of the sacrifice, grief, heroic stamina and the decisive contribution of the Soviet people—Russians and other peoples of the former Soviet Union—to the victory in World War II.
We express our profound gratitude to Russian businesses and individuals who helped us prepare and publish this Book.
