Prehistory and antiquity

The oldest monuments of art of primitive peoples in areas of Russia come from the Paleolithic (statues, figurines of animals, drawings, carvings, etc.). For the Neolithic period include ceramics, ornamental sculpture in stone and bone. With the second-millennium BC come from artistic products of metal. The main base of Russian art was the culture of the tribes in southern and eastern Slavonic, as well as Greek and Byzantine art. From the eighth century BC comes from the oldest part of the building of the fortress and the old town in Derbencie.

Art of Russia

Art of Russia - the term encompasses human artistic activity in areas associated with the Russian state from prehistory to the present day. In addition to the Russians play a significant role in Russia's foreign artists played, especially during the Baroque and Classicism. The main base of Russian art was the culture of the tribes in southern and eastern Slavonic, as well as Greek and Byzantine art. Art, especially the former is characterized by the great reception receipts artistic centres such as the Byzantine Empire, France, Germany and Italy. Nevertheless, Russian art has developed a number of original forms and artistic innovation. Because of the many changes in the territorial district breakdown of Russia and the existence of the Soviet classification of works of Russian art is extremely difficult. In all historical periods and artistic construction activities on Russian territory was unbreakable.

Religions in Russia

In Russia operates hundreds of religious communities, representing almost all religions and beliefs of the modern world. Due to the nature of religion Russia and significantly different faiths, it is impossible to obtain reliable and clear data. According to various studies:

• 53-73% of Russian citizens are Christians 

• 51-71% Orthodox 

• 1-2% Catholic 

• 1% Protestant

• 6-15% are Muslims. 

Followers of other religions represent less than 1% of the population. Number of atheists, agnostics and followers of religions which do not refer to the concept of God / gods (such as Buddhism) is 24-48%. According to the Constitution of the Russian Federation, the Russian state is secular.