"Russia is vast and amazing": visitors to "Geography Lessons" in Chile share their impressions of the exposition

---

The National Centre RUSSIA's exposition project "Geography Lessons" has travelled abroad for the first time, with an updated display opening at the Russian House in Santiago on 16 October. Visitors to the exposition, part of the I Scientific and Technological Forum of Latin American Countries and Russia "Spatial Data for Sustainable Development", speak enthusiastically about Russia. They were struck by the country's scale, explorers' maps, its peoples and their traditions, and above all, the way railways connected its vast territory into a single whole.

Felipe Rencoret said his greatest discovery was the country's scale and the key role railways played in developing its territories.

"What is particularly impressive is how railway construction made it possible to connect the entire country. Without railways, it would have been impossible to link settlements located far apart and enable the exchange of resources — agricultural and livestock products and natural riches. Russia is vast, and you can see so many different natural environments here. It is astonishing and beautiful. I really enjoyed it!" the Felipe Rencoret shared.

He also highlighted the section featuring scents of Russian regions created by the Diana Gurtskaya Centre for Social Integration: "Here, every corner of Russia has its own scent. It allows you to experience all the splendour of this amazing country, where there are still so many places you want to discover."

Ignacio Jassan was most drawn to the historical maps and the exciting adventures behind their creation.

"Everything I learned about cartography, as well as the posters and maps, was simply wonderful. I was captivated by the story of a Russian explorer who met Chileans. Russia's territory is truly vast, and the exposition helps you fully appreciate that," Ignacio Jassan said.

The visitor also highlighted Russia's natural riches, including its mighty rivers, home to many species of fish, among them sturgeon. What interested him most, however, was the country's peoples. He said each was unique, yet they all lived in friendship and harmony, carefully preserving their traditions, customs and cultural legacy.

Before travelling to Chile, the project enjoyed enormous success at the National Centre RUSSIA, attracting more than 65,000 visitors. Now, the story of "Geography Lessons" continues on another continent: the exposition introduces residents and visitors to Latin America to Russia's geography, history, ethnocultural and linguistic diversity through the art of cartography.

The exposition venue was provided by Rossotrudnichestvo's representative office in Chile. The Russian House in Santiago continues the traditions of the Chilean-Soviet Institute of Culture, which opened in 1967 in a historic mansion once belonging to the family of poet Vicente Huidobro, and introduces international audiences to Russian culture and history.