With a vast territory stretching out from Asia to Europe, Russia is the largest country in the world. In 1917, Russia became the world’s first socialist state, and in 1922, the country unified the surrounding republics to form the Soviet Union. As the leader of socialism, Russia made accomplishments in various aspects. Especially, the country invested massively in space science. Russia was the first country in the world to launch a manned spaceship. The country also put ‘Mir,’ the world’s first space station, on the orbit of Earth. In the late 20th century, the Soviet Union was broken down. However, Russia managed to combine the countries under the Soviet Union to form the ‘Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).’ Russians are very eager to receive high level of education, which makes most of them college graduates. Reading books or enjoying cultural performances such as ballet have been a part of Russians’ everyday life for a long time. The countless master writers and artists of Russia resemble the country’s high level of culture. The most famous writer of Russia is Dostoevski, renowned for his novel ‘Crime and Punishment,’ while the most famous composer is Tschaikovsky, renowned for his music piece ‘The Swan Lake.’ The music of Tschaikovsky contributed greatly to the development of Russia’s ballet. The Russian ballet is represented by Mariinsky Ballet Company and Bolshoi Ballet.