Country guide

Features of the Swedish language

Brazil - Through the Eyes of Eduard Surzhyk

Brazil – a country with many wild monkeys… An old joke, of course, but this country truly deserves attention as a tourist destination capable of surprising and impressing.

Hot Finnish Traditions

"When in Rome, do as the Romans do," says the Russian proverb. Finns say: "Maassa maan tavalla," that is, "In the country, according to the country's customs." How do the inhabitants of Finland…

Spear of the Fifth Republic

King Louis Philippe I signed the decree forming the French Foreign Legion on March 9, 1831. Today it is one of the most famous military units in the world. In nearly two centuries, this unit has…

Between the Sea and the Desert

Just thirty to forty years ago, the territory of the United Arab Emirates was a lifeless desert with rare Bedouin settlements in the sands and poor fishing villages by the sea. Then oil was found…

Sights, recreation and life in Cyprus

Before going to a foreign country, even if just to warm up on the beach and swim in the waters of the noisy sea or endless ocean, it is better to learn a little about its history. This will help…

The Diversity of American Surnames

Censuses show better than telephone directories how common a particular surname is in a country. In the United States and Great Britain there are many Smiths, in Sweden – Johanssons, in Poland…

A look at typical Switzerland

Typical Switzerland – what is it? What is a typical Swiss person like? And a typical Swiss woman? How should a foreigner who has come to Switzerland behave in order to be recognized and accepted by…

Tricks of Winter Survival

Finland is one of the northernmost permanently inhabited territories in the world. Winter in this country, depending on the geographical latitude and the year, lasts from 3 to 7 months. Winter in…

THESE STRANGE SWEDES (part 1)

On the importance of advance planning, on the craving for sweets on Saturdays, on the inevitability of watching Disney cartoons at Christmas, and on other amazing features of the Swedish way of life…

THESE STRANGE SWEDES (part 2)

Swedes uncompromisingly care about the environment and fear viruses, get up early and go to bed early, try to avoid conflicts and observe political correctness. And they have surpassed everyone in…

Debunking myths about Finland

Prohibition, an incredibly difficult language, inability to dress – there are many myths about Finland that are not true. And this is not surprising – sometimes even the closest neighbors do not know…