5 Siberia experienced an orange snow in 2007. Scientists and researchers could not find a definitive reason for this, although some have speculated that it was due to industrial pollution

In 2007, people living in the small village of Pudinskoye, Siberia witnessed orange snow falling from the sky. The snow color varied from red to yellow, but was mostly orange and had a pungent odor. According to the Russian environmentalists, the snow contained four times higher the normal quantities of iron, as well as various acids and nitrates. The scientists could not find the definitive source for the orange snow because the region was home to many polluting industries and it was hard to identify which one might have been responsible. (Source)

4 Teachers in Altai Republic town of central Russia were paid in vodka bottles instead of their 6-month salaries in 1998 because the government was carrying a lot of debt and could not afford to pay them their wages

8,000 teachers in the Altai Republic in central Russia received fifteen bottles of vodka per person in 1998 because the government had impending debts. They were provided with the bottles of liquor as a replacement for their salaries because the government was not able to release the 40 million rubles ($2.5 million) that represented the six-months worth of wages owed the teachers. (Source)

3 Alcoholism is so severe in Russia that many doctors treat it by surgically implanting a capsule that produces an unbearable illness in the patient w it comes in contact with even a single drop of alcohol. The pain is similar in intensity to acute heroin withdrawal.

In Russia, medical doctors have created a small capsule that induces insufferable pain after coming in contact with even a drop of alcohol in a person’s blood stream. The excruciating pain is thought to be similar in intensity to acute heroin withdrawal. (Source)

2 A “Military Disneyland” has been opened in Kubinka city, Russia in which the visitors to the park can drive military vehicles and use military weapons

In Kubinka, Russia, a military Disneyland named Patriot Park, allows military grade weapon systems, arms, ammunition and tanks to be accessed by the public. Real military visual simulators are available for the public, assault rifles and machine-guns, in addition to the other military weapons, can be used by the visitors. As per the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, Patriot park will infuse a sense of patriotism and military valor in the youth. (Source)

1 There are 44 Russian cities that have been designated “closed cities” and do not allow any foreigners inside. About 1.5 million people live in these cities, and moving out requires special permission from the authorities.

In Russia, there are a total of 44 cities that have been classified as “closed cities” as they do not allow access to any foreigners. These cities, inherited from Soviet Union, host important sites of the atomic, metallurgical, chemical and military industries. The concept of a “closed city” first appeared in the late 1940’s in USSR for the specific purpose of serving the interests of large industrial groups, the army, and major research institutions. These citites are called “ZATO” (Closed Administrative Territorial Entities), and they are surrounded by barbed wire besides being protected by armed guards. Also, moving out of these closed cities require special permission from the authorities in charge. (Source)