For the first time in its history Russia, the largest country in the world, hosts the world’s biggest sporting event, the 2018 FIFA World Cup™. A country of over 140 million people living across 11 different time zones will host hundreds of thousands of visitors.

People travelling to this fascinating country have questions as to what awaits them. Fans from a minority background, particularly those from a visible ethnic minority or from the LGBT community, may have doubts about safety and need specific information.

This guide aims to give some background and context to this fascinating country, offer practical information and advice on safety.