News

As reported in the Internet, due to the increasing demand for visas to Russia and to improve the quality of service visa to the Russian Federation in Finland will issue a "Visa Application Centre". Visa Center in Helsinki is already open. In Lappeenranta, Turku and Mariehamn (Maarianhamina) visa centers must begin operate 05/06/2011.

Russia held a population census in 2010. The Federal State Statistics Service (Rosstat) has published preliminary results of the last census recently.
According to statistics, Russia's population was 142,905,000 persons permanently residing in Russia. Compared to 2002 the population of Russia decreased by 1,6% (in 2002 there were 145 million 166,700 people). Russia's population decreased in 63 regions and increased in 20 regions of Russia.

Racer from Russia Vitaly Petrov took third place today at the Australian Grand Prix Formula 1. Many Russians are closely watching the Formula 1 and are happy that Russia has also begun to participate in it. Racer from a small town of Vyborg (Leningrad region) has a longstanding involvement in motor racing. He takes part at the Formula 1 racing only the second year. He started this season well. He finished third in the race the Australian Grand Prix.

World Championship figure skating was to be held 21-27 March in Tokyo (Japan). But happened devastating earthquake and tsunami caused tremendous damage to Japan. Holding the World Cup has become impossible. Championship had to be moved to another country. The right to host this tournament claimed the United States, Canada, Croatia, Russia and Finland.

Casino and other gambling establishments in Russia should have been closed all over Russia from 1 July 2009. Four zones weren created where gambling has been allowed in Russia: in the Altai region, Kaliningrad region, place on the border of the Krasnodar Territory and Rostov Region, as well as in Far East.

Preparing for the Olympic Games in Sochi is continuing. Sports facilities, roads, hotels are under constructing. Mascots of the 2014 Olympic Games were chosen last weekend.

On Saturday, February 19, 2011 on Elbrus Mountain (Kabardino-Balkaria) have been closed ski slopes. Tourist groups’ access on the mountain was banned. This was done to ensure the safety of tourists and skiers. Later on Sunday, February 20, ski slopes and cable cars in the Elbrus area resumed work.

Terrorists have intensified in the Kabardino-Balkaria.

Yesterday ended the first competition at the Olympic ski slopes in Sochi. Alpine Skiing Cup of Russia competitions stage was held at the ski resort "Rosa Hutor" in Krasnaya Polyana. It was the first official event in the course of testing Olympic trails futures. The competition was attended by about 60 skiers. At this ski resort in 2014 will be host the Olympic Games.

February 8, 2011, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said that Russia refuses practice the transition to daylight saving time from autumn of 2011.
President made statement at a meeting with young scientists and president prizewinners for science and innovation 2010. Explaining his decision President Medvedev said: It will be good for the country. I have been repeatedly asked about this by people.

From March 1, 2011 militsiya in Russia change its name. At the initiative of President Dmitry Medvedev State Duma of Russian Federation approved the Police law. Under the new law, militsiya (милиция) changed its name to police (полиция).