section_path: Culture
section_name: Culture
paragraph_text: Culture
  
  Russian writers and philosophers have played an important role in the development of European literature and thought. The Russians have also influenced classical music, ballet, theatre, mathematics, sport, painting, and cinema. The nation has also made pioneering contributions to science and technology and space exploration.
  
  Russia is home to 32 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 21 of which are cultural, while 31 more sites lie on the tentative list. The large global Russian diaspora has also played a major role in spreading Russian culture throughout the world. Russia's national symbol, the double-headed eagle, dates back to the Tsardom period, and is featured in its coat of arms and heraldry. The Russian Bear and Mother Russia are often used as national personifications of the country. Matryoshka dolls are considered a cultural icon of Russia.