The state took full responsibility for providing its citizens with daytime meals – the food was quick, cheap, and kept the engine running.

These movies are brilliant depictions of the Russian national character, as well as critically-acclaimed artistic achievements that will move you tremendously.

The first one struggled for the rights of African Americans, the second followed his father’s dreams and the third was shipping heroin to France - they all found themselves behind bars in the Soviet Union’s labor camp system. Not all survived.

What’s it like to give birth in Russia? An Australian expat shares her firsthand account.