This unique encyclopedia combines the most complete scientific information about two spheres of human life and culture - religion and ethnicity. The encyclopedia gives an ethnographic description of the peoples of the world, provides information about their traditional culture and life, traditional social institutions, ethnic processes specific to a particular people. The encyclopedia has more than 1250 articles on ethnic communities (peoples), about 2000 illustrations. In terms of detail, the encyclopedia surpasses all encyclopedias known in the world on this topic. This publication has become a source for numerous adapted versions and Internet portals with articles about the peoples of Russia and the world.