How many Soviet republics were there?

The USSR was the greatest country that ever existed. I have always been proud that I lived in it (even if it wasn't for long). Back then, we were only considered alongside America. And now, even Latvia and Estonia are trying to give us instructions. And what about the sports? And the ballet? And space exploration? The education system was the best in the world. The culture. The intelligentsia (two "l"s or one?). They destroyed such a great country. It's just that these three (everyone knows them) really wanted power!!! I would kill them.