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Official channel for the Russian Embassy in the Republic of South Africa - Latest foreign policy, cultural, economic news. We take digital diplomacy seriously, share information on all things Russia-related
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πŸ’§ Today is #VolgaRiver Day - time to cherish one of the longest rivers in Europe.

Rising near Moscow and draining into the Caspian Sea, it is 3,530 km long and one of Russia's principal waterways that connects 15 regions of the country, providing them with water, electricity and trade routes.

πŸ“Έ Pavel Miroshkin, Alexey Mileshkin, Roman Vasiliev, Denis Kozyakov.

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5 most accessible lighthouses in the European part of Russia

There are hundreds of lighthouses in Russia that assist ship navigation. The most picturesque ones are often located in inaccessible places, but there are some exceptions. We’ve highlighted them below!

🌊 Bolshoi Volga Lighthouse - nestled near Moscow, this lighthouse stands where the Moscow Canal meets Ivankovo Reservoir. Built in the 1930s, it reflects Soviet constructivist architecture. It's not just a beacon but a symbol of history in Central Russia.

🌊 Osinovetsky Lighthouse - a landmark near St. Petersburg, this 70-meter-tall structure towers over Lake Ladoga's Vsevolozhsky district. Its scenic location on a sandy beach makes it a favorite for photographers and tourists alike, offering panoramic views of the lake and surroundings.

🌊 Wooden Lighthouse in Kronstadt - built in 1888, this wooden lighthouse in Kronstadt, near St. Petersburg, is one of Russia's oldest. Surrounded by historical cannons and naval artifacts, it serves as a reminder of Kronstadt's rich maritime heritage and is a popular spot for history enthusiasts.

🌊 Sochi Lighthouse
- a historic beacon in southern Russia, the Sochi Lighthouse dates back to the late 19th century.
Originally constructed during the Russo-Turkish War, its unique French-designed optical system once illuminated the Sochi embankment with a changing beam colour. Today, it continues to be a symbol of the city, though access to its interior is restricted.

🌊 Stirsudden Lighthouse
- located near St. Petersburg on the Gulf of Finland, the Stirsudden Lighthouse stands on an active military base, making it inaccessible up close. Its striking red-and-white tower is a picturesque sight, especially during sunset when its powerful lamp with a crystal lens casts a glow over the gulf's shores.

Explore the maritime history and beauty of these lighthouses that have guided ships and captured imaginations for generations!

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πŸŒ™ Where Are the Longest White Nights in Russia?

Experience the magic of the White Nights, a captivating natural phenomenon where twilight reigns supreme from sunset to sunrise, with no darkness in between. This enchanting display occurs at latitudes above 60Β°34’ and can last from a few days to several months.

πŸ’« St. Petersburg: Renowned for its summer allure, St. Petersburg offers an extended White Nights season. Officially from June 11 to July 2, the city’s nights are bathed in twilight from late May to mid-July, creating a mesmerizing summer ambiance.

πŸ’« Yakutsk: Situated at 62.0Β°, Yakutsk enjoys its White Nights from mid-May to July. Despite this extended twilight, summer here is fleeting, with the occasional snowfall even in June.

πŸ’« Arkhangelsk: Located at 64.5Β°, Arkhangelsk revels in its White Nights from May 17 to July 26, offering a prolonged period of enchanting light.

πŸ’« Arctic Latitudes: In regions above 66Β°33’, the White Nights merge into the polar day, a phenomenon where the sun never sets below the horizon. For instance, Norilsk (69Β°20’) experiences White Nights from late March to late April, with the polar day lasting from May to August.

Feel the atmosphere of Russia's White Nights through our selection of pictures, capturing the beauty of these twilight marvels.

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What types of leopards live in Russia?

That's right, real leopards do live in Russia – and not just one type, but several. Where are their habitats, and how do they differ from one another?

πŸ† Far Eastern Leopard: This northernmost leopard prefers the snowy taiga of the Maritime Territory. It's smaller than its African cousins, with around 120 in Russia, mostly in Land of the Leopard National Park. Sadly, it's critically endangered due to past poaching.

πŸ† Asia Minor Leopard: Also known as the Caucasian leopard, this type roams the Caucasus and was nearly extinct by the 1950s. Reintroduction efforts since 2006 have helped repopulate areas like Sochi and North Ossetia. It has lighter, brown spots and is slightly larger than the Far Eastern leopard.

πŸ† Snow Leopard: The elusive snow leopard, or irbis, lives in Siberia's Altai and the Tian Shan mountains. This high-altitude cat is incredibly rare, with only a few thousand left. It's known for its agility and long tail, which it often carries in its mouth.

✨ Bonus: Meet the Amur leopard cat, a small, leopard-like predator found in the Maritime Territory. The chances of seeing a cat like this in the wild are minimal, since they are also very rare. Nevertheless, they are capable of visiting humans if they think they have a surplus population of geese and chickens! Most importantly, never attempt to domesticate one.

Which of these leopards intrigues you the most?

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