North Caucasus: population, industry and economy. North Caucasus

The Central Committee of the Union of United Mountain People of the North Caucasus and Dagestan proclaimed the state of the Mountain Republic. By the same decision, the Central Committee of the Union of United Highlanders was transformed into the Mountain Government. In the spring of 1919, Dagestan was occupied by the troops of General Denikin, after which the Mountain government declared self-dissolution and evacuated to Tiflis.

Anthropology. Races

The North Caucasian ethnic population belongs mainly to North Caucasian race Caucasoid type. The racial composition of the population of the Caucasus was determined at the beginning of the 20th century, for example, the Brockhaus-Efron Encyclopedia states the following:

Indo-Iranian group

Slavs

Russians
Poles
Bulgarians.

Iranians

Ossetians
Persians
Talysh
Kurds.

Armenians.

Semites

Jews
Assyrians and Chaldeans.

Caucasian peoples

Kartvelian group

Georgians
Adjarians
Khevsurs
carcass
Imeretians
Mingrelians
Svaneti

West Mountain group

Abkhazians
Circassians (Adyghe)

Kabardians
Abadzehi
bzheduhi
Shapsugi, etc.

East Highland group

Chechens
Ingush
Lezgins

Avars
Andes
Dargins
Tabasarans, etc.

Turkic group

Balkars
Azerbaijanis
Meskhetian Turks
Trukhmen (Turkmens of the Stavropol Territory)
Karapapahi
Nogais
Kumyks
Karachais

Mongol peoples

Kalmyks.

Fino-Ugric peoples

ests.

It should be noted that in ancient times, towards the end Bronze Age and at the beginning of the early Iron Age, there was a fairly significant difference in the type of population of Transcaucasia and the North Caucasus. In the oldest burials of the Samtavr and Mingachevir burial grounds, pronounced long-headed, narrow-faced Caucasian skulls are found, most similar in type to representatives of modern long-headed variants of the Caspian type

Historical and cultural aspect of determining the territory of the North Caucasus

It should be noted that the term North Caucasus has equally both geographical and historical-cultural-political meanings, in which the religious composition of the population also plays a significant role. The North Caucasus is a territory of Sunni Islam and Russian Orthodoxy, characterized by a large number of titular nationalities in a relatively small territory. Transcaucasia is the territory of Georgian Orthodoxy, the Armenian Gregorian Church and the significant influence of Shiism, the territory of officially mononational states, an increase in the number of nationalities of the Middle East - Kurds, Aisors and others.

A rough assessment of music, clothing, and weapons also gives a very clear division: North Caucasus - traditional Caucasian musical foundations, the spread of the so-called Circassian coat with gazyrs, the predominance of weapons of weak curvature and open weapon handles. Transcaucasia - the influence of Iranian and Semitic musical traditions, less regular use of clothing with gazyrs, a desire for greater curvature of the blade and protection of the weapon's guard, a clear cross on sabers. Moreover, Transcaucasian features intensify from West to East, already taking place in the Central Caucasus region, and reaching their greatest expression in Lezgistan, which is a fusion of the entire Caucasus, all its traditions. The gradualness of the transition is confirmed by the fact that there are no exclusively North Caucasian or Transcaucasian characteristics, and much depends more on the characteristics of a given area than on formal affiliation with the North or South Caucasus, which largely coincides with political conditions rather than with physical geography. (Compare: the formal attribution of all of Dagestan to the North Caucasus and the equally formal attribution of all of Sudan to North Africa, based on the historical and cultural characteristics of the region).

Natural resources

The North Caucasus is the largest agricultural base in Russia (besides Siberia and Altai), in which agricultural land occupies more than 70% of the territory.

The region is the location of the best sea and mountain resorts in Russia, among them the resorts of the Krasnodar Territory, the Caucasian Mineralnye Vody, Dolinsk, Elbrus, Dombay, and the promising Caspian coast.

Significant Natural resources region: there are oil and gas reserves, high hydropower and geothermal potential, reserves of industrial metal ores, uranium ores, construction raw materials, valuable wood species, water reserves biological resources(Fish and seafood).

Transport

The coasts of the North Caucasus have a special trade significance for the country; important ports are located here: the largest Russian seaport of Novorossiysk, the ports of Tuapse, Sochi, Krasnodar (pier on the Kuban River), the ports of Yeisk, Makhachkala, Derbent; There are major transportation routes for continental oil and gas: CPC, the Baku - Novorossiysk oil pipeline, the Blue Stream gas pipeline, the Saratov Refinery - Volgograd Refinery - Novorossiysk product pipeline under construction.
Large railways and highways (the largest “Don”) also lead to the port of Novorossiysk, and to Anapa - M25 , from the village Dzhubga on Tuapse, Sochi, Adler - M27 . From Rostov, from the station. Pavlovskaya highway goes Caucasus to Mineralnye Vody, Makhachkala, Baku.

Visa regime with Azerbaijan

According to the agreement between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Russian Federation on visa-free travel of citizens Russian Federation and the Republic of Azerbaijan, citizens of the Russian Federation have the right to enter, leave and move around the territory of the Azerbaijan Republic without visas, if they have a foreign passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation.

Visa regime with Georgia

According to the Caucasian Knot agency, residents of the North Caucasus republics - Chechnya and Adygea, welcomed the abolition of the visa regime with Georgia, as it would remove many problems when crossing the border with this country. At the same time, people are expressing fears that the Russian authorities may now tighten the rules for crossing the state border for their citizens.

Human rights violations

Irene Kahn, Secretary General of Amnesty International, the largest international independent human rights organization, said that in the year since the inauguration of Dmitry Medvedev, practically no measures have been taken to improve the human rights situation in the Russian Federation, and in some areas the situation has even worsened. The organization emphasizes that “the situation in the North Caucasus continues to be characterized by instability and armed clashes. The legitimate goal of stopping violence in the region by armed groups is achieved by methods that run counter to the provisions international law in the field of human rights. People continue to be forcibly disappeared or kidnapped, arbitrarily detained, tortured and even killed in custody."

Terrorism in the North Caucasus

According to Maxim Shevchenko, a member of the Public Chamber, head of the working group for the development of public dialogue and civil society institutions in the Caucasus, “despite almost daily special operations to destroy militants, the social base of terror in the North Caucasus is steadily growing, and primarily because there is no any political and religious force that denies terror,” reports the Caucasian Knot. On September 27, 2010, Shevchenko noted: “in Russia there is a topic to which no one has been able to give a clear answer for almost 20 years - this is the North Caucasus. In the North Caucasus there is nothing to oppose to the ideas that the ideologists of terror offer to young people.”

Ivan Sydoruk also stated that most of the weapons at the disposal of militants in the North Caucasus come from military units. “We are losing informational and especially ideological work, and here interaction with the clergy in the North Caucasus is extremely important,” said the deputy prosecutor general. Analyzing the situation, he noted that the main factor of extremism in the district is the high degree of unemployment and unresolved socio-economic problems.

“The entire North Caucasus is in a state of latent civil war,” states analyst Alexey Malashenko on the pages of the Swiss publication Le Temps. The newspaper writes that the increasing frequency of terrorist attacks in the region threatens plans for socio-economic development. “The attack on the Chechen parliament (October 19, 2010) is a rude slap in the face to President Kadyrov,” the publication believes. Correspondent Alexander Biyeta emphasizes: “the special sarcasm lies in the fact that the attack was carried out during the visit of Russian Interior Minister Rashid Nurgaliev to Chechnya, who came to see with his own eyes the efforts to stabilize the republic.” “Another attack, which took place in broad daylight in the very center of the city, confirms that Chechnya is no longer an island of stability - albeit very relative - compared to the neighboring Caucasian republics, where terrorist attacks occur regularly. The presence of several thousand employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Kadyrov’s men is not able to put an end to the operations of certain detachments of “rebels” hiding in the forests and consisting of veterans of two Chechen wars", concludes the Swiss publication Le Temps.

Codes of conduct for youth of the North Caucasus

The proposal of the Deputy Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of Russia in the North Caucasus Federal District Vladimir Shvetsov on the need to develop a code of conduct for youth in the North Caucasus regions was criticized by the President of Chechnya Ramzan Akhmatovich Kadyrov. According to Kadyrov’s press service, the leadership of the Chechen Republic “perceives with great bewilderment the initiatives of individuals in power who sometimes offer not very well-thought-out options for solving national problems.” In particular, the statement of the President of Chechnya said: “I consider it necessary to remind Vladimir Shvetsov that the Chechens, like any people, have their own code of conduct. It has been developed over centuries. He is holy and indestructible. Our people have their own culture, their own traditions. They are based on respect for elders, care for younger ones, respect for the culture, traditions and customs of other peoples."

Notes

Literally “on the other side (of the mountains).” See dictionary for explanation.
Literally “Fatherland”
A small schematic map of the regions can be seen at
Northern Caucasus // Great Soviet Encyclopedia
Georgia and most countries in the world do not recognize the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, considering the Russian border with these countries to be parts of the Russian-Georgian border.
TSB South part.
Encyclopedia Brockhaus-Efron. Art. Caucasian region
From the 3rd to the 1st millennium BC. e. The racial type of the population is stable, approaching the Indo-Mediterranean (skeletons from mounds on the Manych River), however, brachycephalization of the population and a gradual decrease in body length are observed. Skulls of later times, the Scythian-Sarmatian culture from the lowland regions, are more brachycranial and very narrow-faced.
Institute of Ethnography named after N. N. Miklouho-Maclay.

Geographical position The Caucasus still causes controversy among scientists. After all, the border between Europe and Asia runs along it. But where exactly does this cordon lie? If we assume that along the southern foothills, then the highest point in Europe is Elbrus. But if the border runs along the Main Line, then Mont Blanc. This mountainous country is very extended. IN different parts The Caucasus has its own climate. These zones also differ in relief and nature. In this article we will talk in detail about the many-sided mountain system of the Caucasus.

Location on the geographical map of the world

This region is located in Eurasia, between Black and Seas of Azov in the west and the Caspian in the east. To the north of the Caucasus stretches the spacious East European Plain. This large mountainous country has its own clearly defined natural boundaries. The geographical position of the Caucasus between the two seas of the Atlantic Ocean and the world's largest endorheic lake, the Caspian Sea, means that the western and eastern boundaries of the mountain system are clearly visible. But as for the north and, especially, the south, everything is not so simple. The Kuma-Manych depression runs in the territory from the Caspian Sea to the Azov and Kerch Strait. It is considered the northern border of the Caucasus. In the south, this system smoothly passes into the mountains of Turkey and Iran. The border can be conditionally drawn along the former state cordon of the USSR in this region. Now these are the borders of Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan. The southern border runs along the Armenian volcanic plateau, the Araks River and approaches the Talysh Mountains.

On the geotectonics map

The geographical position of the Caucasus eloquently suggests that this mountain system is part of the Alpine-Himalayan belt. Tectonic activity still continues here, although there are no active active volcanoes. According to its geomorphological structure, the Caucasus is divided into four orographic regions. Let's look at them one by one.

In the very north is the Cis-Caucasian Plain, which stretches in a wide strip from the Azov Sea to the Caspian Sea. Further south, low hills give way to mountains. The main peaks of the system are located on the Greater Caucasus Range - Elbrus and Kazbek. This vast region also has its own characteristics. To the south of it is the Transcaucasian Depression. It includes the Kura-Araks and Colchis lowlands. They also alternate with the Transcaucasian Plateau. It, in turn, is divided into two parts. This is the mountain system of the Lesser Caucasus and

On the political map of the world

To the south of the Main Caucasus Range are the independent and sovereign states of Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan. The north of the mountain system is occupied by the Russian Federation. There are also the Caucasus: South Ossetia, Abkhazia and Their future, as well as their current political status, is very vague. The Russian Federation has several territorial entities in the region. In the north-west it is Stavropol and Krasnodar region. They are generally recognized resort regions of Russia. In the northeast there are such autonomous republics of the Caucasus within the Russian Federation as Adygea, Ingushetia, Dagestan, Kabardino-Balkaria, Chechnya, North Ossetia and Karachay-Cherkessia. The national composition of the population in these countries is quite diverse. This serves as a reason for various interethnic conflicts. The hot spots in the Caucasus were Chechnya, South Ossetia, Dagestan, and Ingushetia. Nagorno-Karabakh still remains a disputed territory between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Regions of the Caucasus mountain system

The enormous length of the ridges also determined that each part has its own geographical features. Thus, the mountainous country can be divided not only into northern, central and southern, but also into the Eastern and Western Caucasus. If we consider the Main Ridge, then we can isolate a part that begins at and rises to Kazbek. This is the Eastern Caucasus. The central zone of this massif is highly compressed; the Watershed Range (Main) and Side Range separate the northern and southern parts of the country. And the Western Caucasus begins on the Taman Peninsula and gradually rises to Elbrus (5642 m above sea level). In a small central part, between the two highest peaks of the mountain system, all the other five-thousanders are concentrated: Dykhtau, Mizhirgi, Dzhangi-tau, Pushkin, Koshtantau, Shkhara. Each of them is higher than Mont Blanc in the Alps (4807 m).

Lesser Caucasus

To the south of the Main (Watershed) Ridge there is a significant depression of relief running from sea to sea. Here, such regions of the Caucasus stand out as the wet Colchis lowland in the west and the arid Alazani and Kura-Araks plains in the east. But to the south of these troughs the mountains rise again. Only the submeridional Likhsky ridge connects the Greater Caucasus with the Lesser Caucasus. The name of the latter should not mislead anyone. Of course, the peaks of the Lesser Caucasus are inferior to Kazbek and Elbrus. But Mount Ararat (5165 m) is located here. It is the highest point of Asia Minor. There are many peaks in this region higher than the Alpine Mont Blanc. The Lesser Caucasus curved in a 600-kilometer arc. Many of its ridges are 2-3 kilometers high. They are separated by deep intermountain basins. To the south of these ridges stretches the vast Javakheti-Armenian Highlands. It consists of volcanic ridges and plateaus, cut by deep canyons. The highest point of this region is Aragats (4090 m).

Where does the mountain system end in the south?

The geographical location of the Caucasus is such that it is quite difficult to determine its border. In the southeast, the ridges gradually transform into the Talysh Mountains, ending in the Lenkoran Lowland near the Caspian Sea (28 m below the level of the World Ocean). In the south and southwest, the Lesser Caucasus passes into the Elburz ridge. This range in northern Iran is part of the Pontic Mountains in Asia Minor. Thus, we can say that the southernmost border of the mountain system is the Lenkoran Lowland, the Talysh Mountains and the Elburz ridge.

Peoples of the Caucasus

This region is inhabited by about fifty ethnic groups. And each of them created her own original culture. The North Caucasus (Russia) is especially heterogeneous in ethnic composition. This region is inhabited by Kabardins, Adygeans, Circassians, Shapsugs, Chechens, Ingush, Batsbis, Tsakhurs, Tabasarans, Rutulians, Lezgins, Laks, Dargins, Aguls, Avars. There are also peoples here who speak Altai dialects language family. These are Nogais, Trukhmens, Kumyks, Karachais, Balkars, Meskhetian Turks. Transcaucasia is inhabited by Georgians, Armenians, and Azerbaijanis. But the national composition of these republics is also heterogeneous. Among the representatives of the titular nations of the listed countries there are Abkhazians, Ossetians, Tats, Talyshs, Yezidis, Kurds, and Assyrians. And finally, the alien peoples who have settled in this mountainous region over a long history. These are Russians, Ukrainians, Greeks, Jews, Tatars and others. The main religions are Islam (both Shia and Sunni branches) and Orthodox Christianity.

Seismic situation

The territory of the Caucasus lies entirely in the Alpine-Himalayan belt. This zone is very mobile. Therefore, earthquakes are frequent in the Caucasus. The increased seismicity of the region is also due to the fact that the mountains, due to the convergence tectonic plates grow by one and a half centimeters per year. At the same time, the lowlands are sinking even further. This process is not so fast - from two to six millimeters per year. The most frequent earthquakes are in the Transcaucasus, and more precisely in the north-west of the Armenian Highlands. The last such natural disaster, which claimed thousands of lives, occurred in 1988. Mountain Caucasus Due to its increased seismicity, it is susceptible to frequent avalanches, glaciers and mudflows. Small earthquakes cause rockfalls and landslides. Soft sediments are washed away by streams and other erosion processes. This is how karst caves are formed. There are especially many of them in the northern part Greater Caucasus. It is enough to recall at least the Vorontsov cave system, New Athos, Snezhnaya Chasm (its depth is 1370 m), and the Lago-Naki plateau.

Climate of the Caucasus

This mountainous country lies on the borders of the subtropical and temperate natural zones. We can say this: the high wall that is the Caucasus itself serves as a climate-forming factor. Five-thousand-meter peaks reliably shelter the southern slopes from cold winds. At the same time, the northern foothills of the Caucasus bear the brunt low temperatures. A particularly striking difference in climatic characteristics observed in winter. When there is heavy snowfall in the Russian part of the mountainous country, clear, dry and warm weather reigns in the Transcaucasian republics. Of course, in such huge mountains there is also altitudinal zone. On the peaks all year round there is snow. Below, the zone of lichens and mosses gives way to alpine meadows, coniferous and deciduous forests. And in the valleys lush evergreen subtropical vegetation pleases the eye.

The region's waterways have a mountainous flow, and therefore play a large role in the energy sector. It should be said that to the north the slopes of the Caucasus are gentle and elongated, while the southern ones are steep and steep. This topography affects rivers. In the northern part of the mountainous country they acquire a flat character. Don is an example. Kuban is the largest river in the North Caucasus. But there are fast and turbulent water flows in this region of the mountainous country. These are primarily the Kura and Terek. The rivers of the Caucasus belong to the basins of three seas that wash the mountainous country. The Terek, Araks, Kura, Kuma and Sulak flow into the Caspian Sea. The Black Sea basin includes such waterways as Bzyb, Kodori, Enguri, Rioni. Azov is fed by the Don and Kuban. The largest lake in the region is Sevan.

Nature of the Caucasus

The mountainous country surprises with its variety of landscapes. There are lowland subtropical swamps, dense fir forests, boxwood groves, and alpine meadows. At a significant altitude of more than three thousand meters, lichens and mosses predominate. Permafrost begins at 3500 meters above sea level. The northern foothills of the Caucasus are cooler. Vertical zonation on these slopes is characterized by a sharp change in zones. The snow line in the Northern Caucasus lies lower than in the southern Caucasus - at 2800 meters above sea level. The mountain fauna of the region needs protection. Lynx and Caucasian leopard are on the verge of extinction. And the local species of bison, elk and tigers have completely disappeared. But bears, wild boars, chamois and argali are still found in mountain gorges. As for the flora, the Caucasus is known as the birthplace of the giant hogweed. In 1890 he was taken to Europe as ornamental plant. Since then, he has been considered an extremely dangerous and aggressive neophyte.

Recreational opportunities of the Caucasus

The region is located between three southern seas. A mild climate has been established here, transitional from temperate to subtropical. High mountains create a wide variety of landscapes. Fast rivers seem to invite you to go rafting. All this turns the Caucasus into a recreational region. But here you can not only have a pleasant rest, but also get some treatment. This is facilitated by a large number of mineral waters that are formed in rocks. The whole world knows the Borjomi brand, which Georgia exports. But the North Caucasus is not lacking. Kislovodsk, Mineral water, Georgievsk, Zheleznovodsk, Pyatigorsk, Essentuki, Lermontov - all these resort cities are located in the Stavropol Territory. Zolsky district (Kabardino-Balkaria) is famous for the Narzan Valley and the healing mud of Lake Tambukan.

The North Caucasus Federal District (NCFD) was separated from the Southern Federal District in 2010 into an independent administrative unit. The region's territory occupies the eastern and central part North Caucasus and the southern European part of the country.

The formation of the North Caucasian Federal District is the first stage of the change program federal districts, started in 2000. That year the North Caucasian Federal District was called

General characteristics of the region

The occupied area of the district is about 1% of the entire territory of the Russian Federation. The central city of the North Caucasus Federal District is Pyatigorsk. This is the only settlement in the Russian Federation that has not been given the status of an administrative center. Its area is not even the largest in comparison with other cities in the district.

The administrative unit borders the Caspian Sea. Azerbaijan and Georgia are visible in the south of the district. The borders also run along Rostov region, Kalmykia and Krasnodar Territory.

The composition of the North Caucasus Federal District consists of 7 republics.

Dagestan

This is the southernmost part of Russia and is located in the east of the North Caucasus, and on the east side it is washed by the Caspian Sea. In the west, the territory borders the Stavropol Territory and Chechnya. In the north with Kalmykia, and in the southwest with Georgia. The southern part is in contact with Azerbaijan. Makhachkala is recognized as the capital of the administrative unit. The republic occupies about 50.27 thousand m2. The date of formation is considered to be 1921. The region's population is about 3 million inhabitants.

The composition of citizens of the North Caucasus Federal District is multinational. The same can be said about Dagestan. There are few Russians in the republic - 3.6%, which is approximately 104 thousand. Avars are the most - 850 thousand, which is 29.4 percent. Next come the Dargins, who make up 17%, Kumyks - 14.9%, Lezgins - 13.3%, Laks - 5.6%, and so on. The least number of residents in the republic are Archa residents and Armenians, there are only 5 thousand of them each.

Ingushetia

The youngest republic within the North Caucasus Federal District is Ingushetia. Year of creation - 1992.

The republic borders with North Ossetia and Georgia. The climate here is continental, and in winter time The temperature does not drop below -5 degrees.

Population - 480 thousand people. The republic is dominated by Ingush, about 94%. About 4.6% are Chechens, and only 0.8% of the population are Russians. The remaining percentage comes from other ethnic groups.

Chechens live quite compactly, mainly in the Nazran region. Other nationalities do not have a specific territory of residence.

Only 42.5% of all residents of the republic live in cities. The population mainly lives in the Nuzha and Alkhanchur valleys, Achaluka, and this is only 25% of the entire territory. Only 5% of all residents live on the remaining 85% of the republic’s lands.

Kabardino-Balkaria

The North Caucasus Federal District includes the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, founded back in 1921, with its capital being the city of Nalchik.

The territory is located mainly in the mountains of the North Caucasus. It is in Kabardino-Balkaria that the stratovolcano Mount Elbrus is located, with the highest mountain peak in Europe and the Russian Federation. This figure is 5642 meters above sea level.

Despite the predominantly mountainous area, the territory of the administrative unit is home to 864 thousand people on 12.5 km 2 .

The climate of the republic is quite diverse: in the plains there is a humid and continental climate, and higher in the mountains the climate is similar to the Alpine.

National composition of the republic:

There are even Finno-Ugric and Kurds in the republic, although in a very small proportion in relation to total number population - no more than 0.03%.

Karachay-Cherkess Republic

Since 1957, the territory received the status of an autonomous region, and since 1992 - a republic with the capital Cherkessk. It borders on the Stavropol and Krasnodar territories, Abkhazia and Georgia.

The republic has a population of 466 thousand people. The titular nationalities are Karachais (40.67%) and Russians (31.40%). There are only 11.82% Circassians, and even fewer Abazas - 7.73%, Nogais - about 3.28%. Other nationalities are represented by less than 1%.

Ethnic composition of the North Caucasus Federal District in terms of cities of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic:

Nationality	City, district, % of population
	Cherkessk	Karachaevsk	Abaza district	Adyge-Khablsky district
Karachais

North Ossetia Alania

The territory of the republic is spread out on the northern slope of the Greater Caucasus Range. The mountainous strip accounts for 48% of the entire territory. The capital is Vladikavkaz. The total area of the administrative unit is 8 thousand m2. The area was recognized as a republic in 1936. North Ossetia occupies 4121 km 2. The climate is continental almost everywhere, and on the plains it is predominantly arid.

There is 1 city district and 8 municipal districts in the republic. To get to Moscow you will need to cover 2 thousand km, and to Pyatigorsk only 200 km.

The climate of the republic is classified as subtropical. Summer days 130-140 per year. These factors have a beneficial effect on the development of resorts and tourist routes.

According to rough estimates, 706 thousand people live in the republic. Most of the citizens are in the city. This is approximately 451 thousand, the rest are in rural areas.

Composition The North Caucasus Federal District in part of North Ossetia is one of the most multinational territories. In terms of population density, the republic ranks after Moscow, St. Petersburg and Ingushetia.

There are about 100 national minorities here, but Ossetians account for more than 65%. In second place are the Russians. There are 21% of them. Third place in the list was taken by the Ingush - 4%.

List of national composition, number of persons exceeding 1 thousand:

Stavropol region

When it comes to this region, one immediately remembers the balneological resorts with which the territory is saturated. There are many health resorts located here in different cities: Essentuki, Kislovodsk and Zheleznovodsk.

Conventionally divided into two climatic zones:

the northeast resembles semi-deserts and deserts;
the northwest is plains with fertile lands.

In general, the climate of the region can be described as temperate continental.

The administrative center of the region is Stavropol, and there are 19 cities in total.

The total area of the administrative unit is 40.9 thousand km 2. The total number of residents is 2.7 million people. Urban residents account for 8.9%.

The territory is predominantly inhabited by Russians - there are about 2.2 million people. Armenians are second on the list. There are 161.3 thousand of them in the Stavropol Territory, which is 5.9%. The third place is occupied by the Dargins (as of 2015), previously this position was occupied by the Ukrainians. There are 49.3 thousand Dargins in the region. The fourth largest number of national minorities are Greeks. There are about 1.5% of them here.

Chechnya

It’s hard to imagine the composition of the North Caucasus Federal District of Russia without She left the Russian Federation several times and last time signed an agreement to join Russia in 2003.

The republic is predominantly inhabited by Chechens. There are 1.2 million people, which is a percentage of general composition population is 95.3. According to Rosstat, the total population of the republic in 2017 is 1,414,865 people.

Other nationalities are represented in fairly small numbers:

Southern and North Caucasian Federal District

Until 2010, these districts were a single territorial unit. According to the government, the allocation of the North Caucasus will allow the new federal district to accelerate the development of the southern regions. This makes it possible to resolve economic and ethnopolitical problematic issues.

If we consider the national composition of the Southern and North Caucasus Federal District, it is quite diverse. In Dagestan alone there are about 130 nationalities. In the region you can find the most unique nationalities and quite small in number, even within Russia. These are Avars, Dargins, Kabardins and Lezgins, Circassians and Adygs, that is, representatives of the North Caucasian language group. In the republics of these federal districts there are representatives of the Altai people. These are Nogais, Karachais and Balkars. But if we take the general data, Russians still predominate in the two regions. There are about 62% of them here. Ukrainians are also included in this number.

Caucasus is a name with which mountains are associated, first of all. The Caucasus is a large area, which is located in the south of Russia, bordering Abkhazia, Georgia, Azerbaijan and South Ossetia. Russian poets and prose writers wrote about this beautiful region; for them it is something sublime, soaring in the clouds, bringing joy or deep sadness. In reality, the Caucasus is a geographical region that includes various republics with different nations with their own cultures and religious characteristics. The capital of the Caucasus is different for each republic. But they do not have a single city. In the article we will consider the republics of the North Caucasus and their capitals. Their features are also indicated.

Republics of the Caucasus and their capitals

The North Caucasus consists of 2 territories and 7 republics. The so-called “capital of the Caucasus” is located in one of them:

is Krasnodar. This region of Russia is a popular holiday destination. Three famous Russian resorts are concentrated in the Krasnodar Territory - Anapa, as well as many others.
Stavropol region. with its capital in Stavropol, it is located on the northern slope of the Greater Caucasus and is especially famous for its resort where thousands of tourists go every year to improve their health and just relax.
- Maykop city. This forested area is not in particular demand among tourists, but hunters and people who prefer outdoor activities, rock trails and tent camps like to come here.
The capital of Chechnya is the city of Grozny. Most Russians associate the Republic with wars and violent Caucasians. The tourist flow to Chechnya is very small; if they go, most of them come with excursion groups and guides. Tour operators offer tours to mountainous areas, historical places and Grozny itself, as it has architectural monuments.

Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria. The capital is Nalchik. The main part of the territory of the republic is occupied by mountains. On the territory of Kabardino-Balkaria there is the most high mountain in Russia - Elbrus (5642 m). It is here that people come every year to test their endurance by conquering the peak.
Republic of Ingushetia. The city of Magas has the status of the capital of this republic. Half flat, half mountainous territory with a huge number of cultural features and architectural monuments. The republic has its own reserves and a reserve in which bison, roe deer, chamois and other animals protected by the Red Book are bred.
- a city with the historical name Cherkessk. The main part of the territory occupied by Karachay-Cherkessia is mountainous. Inexperienced tourists also come here to climb the mountains, breathe fresh air and go skiing in winter. Nature, untouched by man, will always attract ecotourists.
The Republic of Dagestan. The capital is located in Makhachkala. A very small number of Russians live here; mainly southern nationalities can be found. There are a large number of nature reserves and wildlife sanctuaries on the territory, since the fauna of these places is inhabited by a large number of rare animals.

Republic of North Ossetia (Alania). The capital is Vladikavkaz. Perhaps the most famous city, which is directly connected with the Caucasus. The main territory is plains, less than half is occupied by mountains and hills. The tourist flow here is slightly larger than in some other republics, but it is also visited by people who like nature, mountains and immersion in national culture. Vladikavkaz is often given the name “capital of the Caucasus”.

Nationalities and religion

The main population of the North Caucasus is local nationalities (Ossetians, Kumyks, Armenians, etc.). They are often feared, but if you respect their culture, they are quite hospitable and sympathetic people. The “capital of the Caucasus” and the regions (Krasnodar and Stavropol) have a mainly Christian population; in the republics Islam is more often preached as the main religion.

Culture of the Caucasus

Each nationality has its own cultural characteristics, expressed in dance, architecture, communication with people, nature, etc. The names of the republics of the North Caucasus and their capital reflect the national culture.

Transcaucasia

The North Caucasus is often joined by Transcaucasia or the South Caucasus, which includes Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia. For Russian citizens, entry into these countries is carried out visa-free if the trip does not exceed 90 days (except for Georgia, where the visa-free regime is valid only for citizens living in the North Caucasus).

Geographical and civilizational conditions of the North Caucasus

The North Caucasus region is located in the south of the Russian Federation and its natural geographical boundaries are:

in the north: Kuma-Manych depression
to the east: Caspian Sea
in the west: the Azov and Black Seas
in the south: the Greater Caucasus Range, separating the North Caucasus from Transcaucasia

In landscape terms, scientists divide the North Caucasus into two zones:

the steppe part, Ciscaucasia, and the steppes are both hilly and flat, in the east they turn into semi-deserts
Caucasian ridge and foothills

In the region there will be two lowlands: in the west – the Kuban-Azov lowland, in the east – the Terek-Kuma lowland. The main rivers are the Kuban in the west and the Terek, which forms its own basins.

The North Caucasus region has resource characteristics: in the steppe part the main wealth is black soil more than 1.5 meters thick. Even at the beginning of the development of the Caucasus by Russian settlers, the average grain yield was SAM-5, SAM-6. Natural steppe spaces created favorable conditions not only for agriculture, but also for cattle breeding. Access to three seas stimulated exchange and trade. The Caucasus Mountains conceal a fairly wide range of mineral resources. Deposits of iron, zinc, lead, polymetals.

In the flat part of the North Caucasus (Adygea, Chechnya, Nagai steppe) in the 19th century, oil fields. In the mid-20th century, gas reserves were discovered on the Stavropol Upland. Compared with European Russia climate North Caucasus more than soft with short winters with little snow and hot summers.

IN currently the entire North Caucasus is represented 8 subjects Russian Federation: Krasnodar region, Stavropol Territory, Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, Republic of North Ossetia-Alania, Republic of Ingushetia, Chechen Republic, The Republic of Dagestan. Because of its ethnic diversity, Dagestan in ancient times received the name “Country of Mountains” or “Country of Languages.”

Stages of research into the history of the region

Thanks to its proximity to the seas, natural resources, and mild climate, the North Caucasus has long attracted the attention of neighbors and conquerors. Already in the 6th century BC. in the west of the Caucasus began to form, and therefore the region repeatedly began to appear in the news of various ancient Greek authors (Herodotus, Plutarch, Strabo). It is very characteristic that the ancient Greeks not only reflected the contacts of Greek colonists with the aborigines, but also recorded the emergence and activities of large tribal communities in the Caucasus that left their mark on world history (Cimmerians, Scythians, Sarmatians).

By the 1st century BC. the region reveals the influence of another powerful ancient civilization– . The Romans not only subjugate the Greek colonies of the Caucasus, the Caucasus becomes an arena of struggle between Rome and Parthian State (Iran).

Evidence about the Caucasus and its peoples is found in such authors as Seneca (younger), Pompey, Tacitus, Ammianus Marcelli. After new ones take shape in Transcaucasia state entities, The North Caucasus is becoming an object of interest from outside , Georgian and Armenian authors (Ananiy Shirokatsi, Movses Khorenatsi).

The heir to ancient civilization was the Byzantines, with the goal of spreading political influence and Christianity, they also appeared in the North Caucasus lands. Evidence about nature, various tribes of the Caucasus and their customs is found in famous Byzantine writers - Strokopius of Caesarea, Constantine Porphyrogenitus.

They left a certain mark on the study of the Caucasus Italians, representatives of the oldest trading city-state. In the 13th-15th centuries Genoese fortresses and trading posts existed in the Azov region and on the Black Sea coast, and their inhabitants were in contact with local population. Famous Italian authors (Plano Carpini, Rubruk, Giorgi Interiano) contain various descriptions of the nature and tribes of the Caucasus.

By the 16th century, the North Caucasus became the object of increased military, political and religious expansion from outside and its vassal Crimean Khanate. The Turks are actively trying to subjugate the local rulers and impose their citizenship on them. Naturally, this is reflected in Turkish chronicles. The diverse characteristics of the North Caucasus are found in famous traveler 16th century by Evliya Celebi.

The most culturally developed already in the 1st century BC. becomes Dagestan. Therefore, this part of the Caucasus appears in reports by Iranian, Albanian, Azerbaijani authors.

Domestic Caucasian Studies

The North Caucasus came to the attention of Russian authors back in the 10th century, in connection with an organization that existed for almost 2 centuries. In Russian chronicles of the 10th-12th centuries there are references to Tmutarakan, its princes, trade, wars, treaties concluded with the Kosogov and Yas (Alans) tribes.

Scattered episodic information about the North Caucasus is found in the papers of the embassy order of the 16th-17th centuries. It was during this period that some Caucasian tribes sought the patronage of Moscow, the arrival of various delegations to Ivan the Terrible, and the Moscow Rus' tried to gain a foothold in the lower reaches of the Terek.

Systematic and more scientific study of the region It was started in the 18th century. Academicians of the St. Petersburg Imperial Academy of Sciences P.S. Pallas, I.A. Gyldenstedt, P.G. Butkov, I.F. Blaramberg. With the beginning of the annexation of the North Caucasus to Russia, the number of authors writing about the North Caucasus has increased, represented by Russian officers F.F. Tornau, V.A. Potto, N.F. Dubrovin, R.A. Fadeev. Scientist academician A.P. Berger “Caspian region”, 1857, “Chechnya and Chechens”, 1859.

Representatives mountain nobility The North Caucasus of the 18th century also became, and the most talented of them created a number of works in Russian dedicated to the peoples of the North Caucasus (Shora Nogmov “The Tradition of the Circassian People”, “ Initial rules Kabardian grammar”, Umalat Laudaev “Chechen tribe”).

In the second half of the 19th – early 20th centuries All Caucasian peoples had their own educators. In Ossetia - K. Khetagurov (Ossetian), Sultan Kazy-Girey (Nogai). The Russian pre-revolutionary academic school had a number of authors who were Caucasian scholars: E.N. Kusheva, L.I. Lavrov, A.V. Fadeev, V.P. Nevskaya, V.N. Ratuniak and others. During the years of Soviet power own cadres of the mountain intelligentsia were published, researchers of the North Caucasus emerged from its midst: V.G. Gadzhiev, R.M. Magomedov, M.M. Bliev, V.V. Degoev.