The Soviet Union was not only the empire that held together different peoples, but is was the state which united diverse cultures, customs and traditions. The demise of one state led to the birth of 15 independent countries.

We invite you to get acquainted with four different countries of the former Soviet Union, their history, religion, originality and traditions. Discover how each country has coped with the demise of communism, and how the lives of ordinary people have changed. Russia is a large and extremely culturally diverse country, with dozens of ethnic groups, each with their own forms of folk music, languages and religions. Just as Russia's rich cultural heritage has once more come to life, its treasures of nature are also waiting to be discovered. Few places can conjure up vivid images such as Russia with its rich history and unsurpassed beauty.

In the past 15 years Moscow and St. Petersburg have changed from gloomy grey Soviet cities into booming modern metropolis with lavish shopping malls, expensive restaurants and cafes, luxury cars, innumerable boutiques and more street advertising than London and Paris combined. They offer an incredible mixture of styles – a testament to its turbulent history. Ancient churches, imperial palaces, mansions, Soviet apartment blocks and contemporary office centers all neighbor one another.

Progress in Belarus has been sluggish compared with other independent nations of the former Soviet Union. Nevertheless, its countryside and wildlife are highly prized, and areas of special interest and beauty can be found everywhere.

Ukraine was the center of the first Slavic state, Kievan Rus, which during the 10^th and 11^th centuries was the largest and most powerful state in Europe. The natural charms of Ukraine are slowly supplanting the dismal Soviet legacy that has deterred so many visitors in the past. Kiev, the capital of Ukraine and the holy center of Slavs, is the most important cultural, scientific, industrial city of the country. This is one of the most charming and oldest cities of Europe known as «the Mother of Rus' cities». The country rewards travelers with hospitable people, magnificent architecture and miles of gently rolling steppe. We invite you to come and see the striking images of the Ukrainian capital that appears both ancient and young. The art and architecture of Kiev are world treasures.