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The Russia's main religions include Eastern Orthodoxy and Islam. A 2001 sample survey by a highly recognized Russian social survey agency suggests that 55% of the Russian residents believe in a religion, of which 91% believe in Eastern Orthodoxy, 5% in Muslim, 1% in Catholicism and Judaism respectively, 0.8% in Buddhism, and the rest in other religions.

The diet of Russians is mainly Western food, which features meat, milk, egg, bread, butter, jam, pickled cucumber, potato, onion and cabbage. In winter vegetables and fruits are in short supply and are expensive. Typical Russian dishes include caviar, red soup, braised beef and chicken braised with butter.

The Russians’ taboo number is 13. But the Russians like the number 7 which is considered a symbol of happiness and success. When giving out gifts, they prefer odd numbers; they think even numbers are unlucky.

The Russians are known worldwide for alcohol drinking. Most men and some women like to drink spirits. Vodka is the best favorite of many. When toasting, people use their right hand to hold the glass. Usually, the first glass must be emptied.

* The above information is for reference only. For more, contact the embassy.

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