Adygea

Adygea, officially the Republic of Adygea (Russian: Республика Адыгея; Adyghe: Адыгэ Республика), is a federal subject of Russia located in the North Caucasus region. It is an enclave of Krasnodar Krai, entirely surrounded by it. The administrative center is the city of Maykop. The republic covers about 7,600 square kilometers and has a population of roughly 440,000. It has its own constitution and a regional legislature, with a Head of the Republic serving as the head of government.

Geography and climate: Adygea lies largely in the foothills of the Western Caucasus, with the Maykop Plain in the north and mountains to the south. The area features a temperate climate, diverse landscapes, and river valleys that support agriculture and forestry. The Kuban River forms part of the eastern border, contributing to the region’s water resources and transport routes.

History: The Adyghe (Circassian) homeland has been inhabited for centuries. It was incorporated into the Russian Empire during the Caucasian War in the 19th century. In 1922 it was established as the Adyghe Autonomous Oblast within the RSFSR, and in 1991 it was redefined as the Republic of Adygea within the Russian Federation.

Demographics and culture: The titular Adyghe (Circassian) people form a key element of the population, alongside a substantial Russian minority and smaller communities of Armenians and others. Adygea uses Adyghe and Russian in education and administration, reflecting its ethnolinguistic diversity, history, and cultural traditions.

Economy and transport: The economy combines agriculture—grain, fruit, and wine production—with small industrial enterprises. The region benefits from its proximity to Krasnodar Krai in terms of trade, infrastructure, and energy resources, supported by road and rail connections to the broader Caucasus and southern Russia.