Russia
St. Basil's Cathedral in Moscow, Russia.
| Population | 84,408 people living in New York City were born in Russia. Source: 2000 United States Census |
| Neighborhoods | Gravesend-Homecrest: 10,513 Sheepshead Bay-Brighton Beach: 9,266 Bay-Ridge-Bensonhurst: 8,163 Source: 2000 United States Census |
| Religion(s) | Russian Orthodox, Bukharan Jewish, Russian Catholic |
| Language(s) | Russian |
| History |
Russian immigrants arrived in waves following the collapse of the Soviet Union. |
Population Facts:
- Mean earnings generally higher than average (males, $45,090 – females, $36,209). Source: 2000 United States Census
- Incredibly high percent High School graduates (85.4%). Source: 2000 United States Census
Fun Facts:
- Do not give flowers in even numbers. It is bad luck to give someone an even number of flowers because even numbers are given for funerals/sympathy gifts.
- Naming children follows strict convention. The first name is given, the last name is the family name, and middle name is patronymic – meaning: it is derived from the father’s first name. Ex. Ivanovich (for a son) or Ivanova (for a daughter). It is also custom for people to give pet-names to people they are close to, including friends, family, and partners.
- Superstition and tradition play a large role in day to day life. Many current customs are based on folklore and fairy tales.
