Top 10 Things to Know About Sochi, Russia

Sochi may not be household word in the United States just yet, but this Russian jewel soon will become well-known here and around the world. After all, this lovely city on the Black Sea coast plays host to any number of high profile, sporting events, including the XXII Winter Olympic Games, the XI Paralympic Winter Games, and Russian Formula 1 Grand Prix road race. In 2018, FIFA World Cup is also coming to Sochi. Why Sochi? For several reasons. This tiny city near the Caucasus Mountains is prized for its views, location, temperate summers and mild winters. Its lovely climate and landscape make it a must-visit location for vacation travelers and sporting enthusiasts alike. And, it's no secret that Russian President Vladimir Putin is counting on Sochi to give Russia its due as a world class venue for the upcoming Olympic Games.

Want to learn more about Sochi? Check out these Top 10 Things to Know about Sochi, Russia. Sure to give you a flavor for the city that plays hosts to the Winter Olympic Games and so much more.

1. Sochi was named host of the 2014 Winter Olympic Games, besting its global competition (including Salzburg, Austria and Pyeong Chang, South Korea.) The selection of Sochi was controversial. LGBT advocates, concerned about recent anti-gay legislation in Russia, have pressed for equal treatment at the games and a possible boycott by the athletes themselves. Environmental groups have raised red flags about Russia's construction practices and threats to the fragile environment. Security concerns abound due to Sochi's proximity to political unstable areas, such as Chechnya. Assurances given by the Russian government as well as Vladimir Putin's personal involvement in these matters have not done much to move the skeptics who claim that Sochi is ill-suited and simply not ready for the Olympic stage. The recent bombing of the Volgograd railroad station has certainly renewed concerns about Olympic Games' security.

2. Sochi's coastline became a Russian favorite shortly after the breakup of the Soviet Union. Before Sochi, vacationers flocked to the Crimean Coast which now belongs to independent Ukraine. The Turkish Coast is also a big draw for tourists from Europe and beyond. But, in recent years, significant investment in this area should finally put Sochi on the map as a vacation destination for Russians and Europeans alike. Sochi's reputation as the "Russian Riviera" will surely get a boost from hosting athletes and tourists alike for various world class sporting events, including the upcoming Winter Olympic Games.

3. Sochi became known for its fashionable resorts during the Stalinist years in Russia.That's right, Stalin even built a dacha in this lovely mountainous and sea coast region. In recent years, Sochi has become a real crowd pleaser and a favorite of the Soviet elite. War accounted for Sochi's slow emergence as a viable economic region and vacation destination. Once the dust settled, slowly but surely Sochi's profile rose, especially as various ethnic groups emigrated to the region. Today, Sochi's got it all, from day spas to stunning vistas. Check out the Town History Museum, especially its special Soyuz 9 exhibit.

4. Sochi's ethnic origins are quite diverse. By the mid-19th century, Sochi was populated by several groups who had migrated to this lovely region, including ethnic Russians, Armenians, Ukrainians, Estonians, Germans, Belorussians, Moldavians, Greeks, and Georgians. Even today, Sochi's diversity makes this city shine. Check out the Festival Hall and Winter Theater for a touch of Sochi's multicultural arts and music scene.

5. In the 1920s, Sochi's railway became an important part of its urban identity and transportation infrastructure. To this day, Sochi's railroad station is a popular site for tourists and residents alike in this precious Caucasus city. Not far from the station? Check out Park Rivera for street fairs, an aquarium, pony rides, people watching and so much more.

6. Fish and wildlife abound in Sochi. Greater Sochi boasts the largest trout fishery in Russia, a point of pride for Sochi residents. Wildlife preservation has put Sochi on the map. Even the endangered Great Apes find protection and a home in this Caucasus region. Sochi has something for everyone.

7. Today, Sochi's population is majority Russian. Yet, Armenians account for more than 20% of the overall population of this beautiful coastal city. Sochi's ethnic cuisine and culture reflects this rich diversity. What are the hottest foodie haunts in Sochi? Check out Natasha's for Georgian fare, Turetskaya Kukhnya for yummy kabobs, and Stolovaya No 17, for Russian cheap eats, just to name a few. Central Market is also a must-visit site during your stay in Sochi.

8. Sochi is primarily a Christian city with a large Muslim community as well, making Sochi a melting pot of religious diversity. Some tensions between the Christian and Muslim community, as some await the long overdue building of a mosque in the city. While then-President Medvedev promised to get the job done, nothing's been done causing bad feelings all the way around and, possibly, protests during the upcoming Winter Olympic Games.

9. Tennis great Maria Sharapova spent considerable time in Sochi developing her skills on the court. A Sochi tennis school has become well-known for developing world-class tennis players. Other sports dominate Sochi as well, including white water rafting, sailing, skiing and more.

10. Reportedly, Sochi is the longest city in Europe. This Caucasus beauty stretches for more than 90 miles along one of Europe's prized water ways, the Black Sea. And, the Winter Olympic Games will only put more of a spotlight on this shining city and region.