October 26, 2025

Who Doesn't Love a Good Map?


Who Doesn't Love a Good Map?
Any chance to look at old maps, we will take. The Russian Life files.

Mapheads, rejoice! At an October 23 meeting of the Russian Geographical Society, President Vladimir Putin stressed the importance of education in the fields of geography, history, and cultural heritage, going to far as to call for 2027 to be a nationwide "Year of Geography."

"Patriotism, a sense of belonging to the Motherland, and responsibility for its future are born from knowledge of its history, geography, and the cultural and natural heritage," said Putin, "Considering the contribution of our geographers of different eras to the strengthening of the state and the highest importance of geographical science, I ask the government to work towards the possibility of making 2027 the Year of Geography."

The Year of Geography would, according to Russian state media, likely include programs for children, as well as the opening of a geography museum.

But a Russian celebration of geography, especially one promoted by Putin, is not mere innocent cartophilia. As his quote makes clear, the purpose of promoting a knowledge and appreciation of Russian geography, especially among kids, is building a sense of patriotism.

As Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine continues, any avenue to building patriotism is welcome, even if it weaves through some yellowing maps.

You Might Also Like

An Ode to the Hovercraft
  • February 14, 2021

An Ode to the Hovercraft

Russia is a land of many mysteries. The greatest of all, of course, is this: What's the deal with Russians and their hovercraft?
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals
[INVALID]
[INVALID]

Some of our Books

The Latchkey Murders
July 01, 2015

The Latchkey Murders

Senior Lieutenant Pavel Matyushkin is back on the case in this prequel to the popular mystery Murder at the Dacha, in which a serial killer is on the loose in Khrushchev’s Moscow...

Russian Rules
November 16, 2011

Russian Rules

From the shores of the White Sea to Moscow and the Northern Caucasus, Russian Rules is a high-speed thriller based on actual events, terrifying possibilities, and some really stupid decisions.

93 Untranslatable Russian Words
December 01, 2008

93 Untranslatable Russian Words

Every language has concepts, ideas, words and idioms that are nearly impossible to translate into another language. This book looks at nearly 100 such Russian words and offers paths to their understanding and translation by way of examples from literature and everyday life. Difficult to translate words and concepts are introduced with dictionary definitions, then elucidated with citations from literature, speech and prose, helping the student of Russian comprehend the word/concept in context.

Survival Russian
February 01, 2009

Survival Russian

Survival Russian is an intensely practical guide to conversational, colloquial and culture-rich Russian. It uses humor, current events and thematically-driven essays to deepen readers’ understanding of Russian language and culture. This enlarged Second Edition of Survival Russian includes over 90 essays and illuminates over 2000 invaluable Russian phrases and words.

Davai! The Russians and Their Vodka
November 01, 2012

Davai! The Russians and Their Vodka

In this comprehensive, quixotic and addictive book, Edwin Trommelen explores all facets of the Russian obsession with vodka. Peering chiefly through the lenses of history and literature, Trommelen offers up an appropriately complex, rich and bittersweet portrait, based on great respect for Russian culture.

Driving Down Russia's Spine
June 01, 2016

Driving Down Russia's Spine

The story of the epic Spine of Russia trip, intertwining fascinating subject profiles with digressions into historical and cultural themes relevant to understanding modern Russia. 

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955