Participants of the Geographical Dictation at the central venue. Photo: RGS press service
On November 30, the Geographical Dictation took place in Russia and abroad for the 11th time. The questions of the RGS’s international educational campaign at 10,000 venues around the globe were answered by people who sincerely love our country and are interested in geography.
In 2025, the questions of the Geographical Dictation related to three anniversaries at once: the 180th anniversary of the Russian Geographical Society, the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, and the 500th anniversary of the development of the Northern Sea Route. 40 tasks introduced the participants of the event to the history of discoveries, outstanding scientists, travelers, members of the RGS, and different regions of Russia. Some of the questions were devoted to foreign countries, in particular the BRICS countries, whose history is closely linked with the expeditions of Russian scientists. Not only the accumulated knowledge, but also logic and ingenuity helped to give the right answers. Participants were given 45 minutes to complete the Geographical Dictation, which is the time of a standard school lesson.
Winners of the Geographical Dictation question contest. Photo: RGS press service
Since 2020, the Geographical Dictation questions have been handled not only by professionals, but also by ordinary people who love geography and Russia. The best assignments collected in the framework of the «Write Your Question for the Geographical Dictation» contest were included in various versions of the educational campaign of the RGS, as well as in quizzes that helped participants prepare. The winners of the contest were welcomed at the central venue of the event. This year it was the Shuvalov Building of Lomonosov Moscow State University. The most interesting questions were sent by schoolchildren Marat Yusupov and Sofia Kolobova, geography teacher Ekaterina Fomicheva, head of the Department of Cartography at the Mozhaisky Military Space Academy Yuri Levadny, and a representative of a confectionery holding Nadezhda Ledyankina.
Also in 2025, the winners of the «Write Your Question for the Geographical Dictation» contest were determined in special categories. Geography teacher Yulia Yasashnova won in the category «The Northern Sea Route: History and Discoveries», photographer Dmitry Gorbunov won in the category «Geographical Bridges: Interrelations between Russia and the BRICS countries», student Ksenia Mamontova won in the category «180th Anniversary of the Russian Geographical Society: A Journey through Time», financial manager Irina Igumnova won in the category «Remembering the Heroes: 80th Anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War».
«The theme of the Great Patriotic War is close to me and my family. My father was born in the region I wrote the question about. I saw the monument with my own eyes. Besides, I do genealogy. Thus, all the puzzles pieces had come together. I am very pleased that the question was acknowledged,» said Irina Igumnova, who, by the way, celebrates her birthday on November 30.
Hosts of the Geographical Dictation at the central venue. Photo: RGS press service
The Geographical Dictation at the central venue was conducted by Nikolai Zusik, a Russian journalist and presenter of the «Vesti» program on the «Rossiya-1» channel, and Marianna Grigorovich, a TV presenter. They also voiced the questions of the event of the Russian Geographical Society in 2025.
«It’s great that in this way the RGS is trying to arouse people’s love and respect for geography and their country. The format of the event itself is interesting. And it’s not just that famous people are joining the project. This is also evident in diversity. The Dictation is also taken in unique places. Interesting questions are created on various topics related to geography. There is a very serious approach to the organization. Such careful preparation deserves great respect,» said Nikolai Zusik.
Russian TV presenter and public figure Boris Korchevnikov, Italian TV presenter and musician Arnaldi Federico, journalist and travel blogger Stanislav Natanzon, actors Dmitry Buzhinsky, Petar Zekavica, Ksenia Teplova, and Dmitry Chebotarev, blogger Valentin Petukhov (Wylsacom) also gave their voices to the educational campaign of the RGS.
In 2025, the Geographical Dictation was traditionally taken in the most unusual places: at the Popov Polar Station on Bely Island in the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Area, in the Khakassia Nature Reserve, at the Museum of the World Ocean, in the camp of nomadic reindeer herders in the tundra, at the «Elektrostal» metallurgical plant, the Terek Ridge in the Chechen Republic, on the «Nadezhda» sailing ship, on long-distance trains, and on the RGS Peak, which received its name in honor of 180th anniversary of the Russian Geographical Society.
«Living in the territory of the largest country in the world, it is impossible not to be at least a little bit of a geographer. The Geographical Dictation not only tests knowledge about Russia, but also allows you to re-immerse yourself in all its natural, geographical, cultural, and historical diversity. And the organization of the Dictation venues in unique places only confirms a keen interest in native places, their beauty, and historical heritage,» said Amil Sarkarov, Deputy Chairman of the Republic of Dagestan Branch of the RGS.
In Dagestan, the Geographical Dictation was held in iconic places: the southernmost and highest mountainous locality in Russia, the village of Kurush, as well as the southernmost point of our country and the highest peak of the republic, Mount Bazarduzu.
The Geographical Dictation was also taken in space. Traditionally, its questions were answered by the crew of the International Space Station.
«Millions of people on Earth are happy to participate in the event. The Geographical Dictation is a special event for us. It allows us, being far from home, to feel connected with our vast homeland again. Knowing your country is incredibly important: appreciating, understanding and, of course, being proud of Russia. This is what makes us one people. Friends, remember, wherever you are, in the classroom, at home, or, like us, in orbit, Russia is always with us,» Hero of Russia, Crew Commander Sergei Ryzhikov and test cosmonaut Aleksey Zubritsky addressed the participants of the Geographical Dictation from orbit.
The event of the Russian Geographical Society was also joined abroad. The Dictation questions were answered in Jamaica, Nepal, Poland, the Dominican Republic, Norway, China, Namibia, Serbia, and other countries. For those who do not know Russian, 20 questions were prepared for the first time, translated into 11 different languages.
Those who could not visit one of the veneus of the educational campaign of the RGS will be able to take the Geographical Dictation online. Its version will be available until December 14, on the website (until 12:00 local time).