Soviet Union
Photo: Schlurcher, CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) (Russian: Союз Советских Социалистических Республик (СССР)), or Soviet Union, emerged as the successor state to the Russian Empire in 1917, and was dissolved in 1991. Many of the former Soviet republics are now part of a looser union called the Commonwealth of Independent States. It was by far the largest state on Earth during its existence, covering more than one sixth of the planet's land area. Many traces of this former superpower can be seen today.
UnderstandWhoever does not miss the Soviet Union has no heart. Whoever wants it back has no brain.
Countries and territoriesThe Soviet Union consisted of fifteen Soviet republics, which are now independent countries.
TalkRussian was the lingua franca of the Soviet Union. Most people born before 1980 have studied Russian in school, and many countries have a large Russian-speaking minority.
SeeBuildings built during the Soviet era often have a distinct style, and many are still standing today.g. the Palace of Culture and Science in Warsaw, Poland).
Do
EatA holdover from the Soviet Union that is popular in Russia is the stolovaya (столовая).
See also
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Soviet Union" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Schlurcher, CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons