33 Countries of Origin’ Profiles

10 to be served. Russians tend to serve the oldest or most honored person first so wait until they determine your status has arrived. To continue on the differing roles for each sex, women don't cut bread nor do they pour drinks; the men must take on these roles so if you see a woman's drink empty fill it up and if you are a woman, it won't be long before a fellow diner fills your glass. Before emptying your glass though, you have to start drinking and before that begins you must wait for a toast, which is typically first given by the host. It is considered rude to turn down food or to clean your plate. Try everything offered to you and once you're finished eating, leave a little food on the plate to show that the amount served was more than enough; this is a great compliment to the host. The only exceptions to this are that you must finish your bread and your alcoholic drinks. If dining in a restaurant, the host or inviter is expected to pay. If you are a guest, you are expected to offer to pay, but this offer will most likely be turned down. Tipping is not common in Russia a nd after experiencing the standard poor service nearly everywhere you won't be inclined to tip anyway. The only exception to this rule is in nice restaurants catered to foreigners, particularly in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Service in these locations substantially improves and tips are expected in the form of about 10% for a meal. Drinks All popular non-alcoholic drinks are available in Russia a nd they have a great selection of juices. Tea is among the most popular drinks in the country, as is mineral water, both still and carbonated water. However, Russia i s first and foremost known for their vodkas. There are hundreds of local vodkas distilled in the country, but in today's culture, beer is more commonly drunk. At celebrations though, the traditional vodka dominates. The country also has numerous other drinks, including international beers, wines, and hard liquors. The tap water in Russia s hould not be consumed because in many places it is not safe. Religion Justin Dodge There is no official religion in Russia a nd, partially due to the intentional destruction of religion during time spans under the communists, the country is primarily atheist or does not adhere to a specific faith. The most popular religion is Russian Orthodox, but less than a quarter of the people actually adheres to this religion. There is also a significant Muslim population as many of the minority groups are, generally speaking, Muslim, although many others have converted to Orthodoxy or abandoned an attachment to any particular religion. Most people will claim to be religious or a believer of a Higher Being, but do not practice a particular religion nor do they prescribe to any individual faith.