Today we had a lecture on "Life in Russia." Here are some tidbits, as well as a few pix of people around town. If I find more facts within my notes, I'll add them.
- Must be 18 to drink alcohol, but 21 to buy it.
- There is 1-year mandatory military conscription for all males 18-27 years old, with a number of exceptions.
- Can drive at 18.
- After retirement, you do not have to pay property taxes.
- Type of cars commonly available are Lada (manufactured by a Russian company owned by French Groupe Renault), Hyundai, KIA, VW, Toyota, Renault.
- Many diplomatic cars we saw were Maybachs (high-end Mercedes). They have red license plates. Military cars have black plates. Police plates are blue.
- 60% of Russians have no savings.
- Guns purchased for self-defense cannot be carried outside the home, except for hunting trips. Must be 18 and pass extensive background checks to own one. Those with mental illness or drug abuse background do not qualify. Citizens cannot own guns that have burst action or have more than a 10-cartridge capacity. Air guns are OK.
- Life expectancy for men is 67 and for women is 76.
- There are 10 million more women in the country than men.
- 35,000 deaths due to alcohol each year.
- Most "recreational" drugs, including marijuana, are prohibited. Heroin illegally comes in from Afghanistan and synthetics from Southeast Asia.
- Health clubs are popular.
- 65% of high grads attend trade school; while 35% attend college.
- There are waiting lists for city housing. Can be years long.
- TV is controlled by the government. More than 100 stations in many languages.
- In magazine stands you will find, among others, Car and Driver, Playboy, Reader's Digest, tabloids, others (in many languages).
- A bill was recently passed against fake news and derogatory info.
- 60% of families live in an apartment, but also have a dacha (country home).
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If you have visited any of these places, we would love to hear your comments. Or send us recommendations of places we should not miss.