Nearly ten percent of the Russian government's income comes from taxes on the sale of vodka.

According to some sources, the first production of vodka took place in the area of today’s Russia in the late 9th century; however, some argue that it may have happened even earlier in Poland in the 8th century.  In Russia, black-market or “bathtub” vodka is widespread...
Nearly ten percent of the Russian government's income comes from taxes on the sale of vodka.