St. Petersburg, Russia

The Los Angeles–St. Petersburg Sister City Committee is a dedicated non-profit organization that facilitates the dynamic exchange of culture, ideas, and capital between Los Angeles and St. Petersburg. For decades, the committee has championed high-impact cultural, educational, business, and technological ventures. Key initiatives include launching a journalism exchange program between UCLA and St. Petersburg University, facilitating library book exchanges, coordinating international medical seminars at Pavlov University, and organizing landmark celebrations like St. Petersburg's 300th anniversary. Throughout the year, the committee presents a premier selection of Russian-themed cultural events—including film festivals, exclusive premieres, masterclass ballets, art exhibitions, and musical evenings featuring both established and emerging artists. Alongside its signature annual Russian Winter Ball, the committee prioritizes humanitarian fundraising efforts that directly support the youth of St. Petersburg, providing vital aid to the Sestroretsky Orphanage and the Children's Hospital.

Population: The population of St. Petersburg is approximately 5.6 million. The population of Russia is approximately 146 million.

Location: St. Petersburg is located in Northwest Russia on the Baltic Sea. Russia spans Northern Asia and Eastern Europe, bordering the Arctic Ocean, between Europe and the North Pacific Ocean.

Climate: The climate of Russia ranges from steppes in the south to a humid continental climate in much of European Russia, subarctic in Siberia, and a tundra climate in the polar north. Winters vary from cool along the Black Sea coast to frigid in Siberia, while summers vary from warm in the steppes to cool along the Arctic coast.

Local Time: The local time of St. Petersburg is Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) +3, which is either 10 or 11 hours ahead of Los Angeles, depending on Daylight Saving Time.

Capital of Russia: The capital of Russia is Moscow.

National Day of Russia: Russia Day, 12 June (1990).

Flag of Russia: The flag of Russia has three equal horizontal bands of white (top), blue, and red.

Currency: The currency of Russia is the Russian ruble (₽ / RUB).