Answer: Russia

Although America might be well known for having abundant and elaborate roller coaster parks, the tradition of whizzing down steep slopes and around stomach churning curves actually started in Russian way back in the 17th century.

Around the city of Saint Petersburg, large man-made hills of dirt and ice were constructed and reinforced with large wooden support structures. These hills, or Russian Mountains, were ridden by giddy patrons perched precariously on wooden carts and sleds.

In most Latin languages this heritage is preserved, where roller coasters are still known as “Russian Mountains”. In a rather entertaining twist of language development, in Russia–their very country of origin–roller coasters are called “American Mountains”.