Carelia

Carelia, also known as Karelia, is a historical and cultural region located in the northwestern part of Russia, as well as in Finland. It is named after the Karelian people, an indigenous Finnic ethnic group. The region is divided into two main parts: Finnish Karelia, which is part of Finland, and Russian Karelia, which is part of Russia. The border between these two parts is the Karelia Isthmus, which is a narrow strip of land connecting the mainland to the Kola Peninsula.

The Karelian people have a rich cultural heritage, with their own language, traditions, and customs. They are known for their distinctive folk music, dance, and art. The region is also home to several unique natural landscapes, including the White Sea, Lake Ladoga, and the Khibiny Mountains, which are known for their rare minerals.

Throughout history, Carelia has been a subject of dispute between Russia and Finland. The region was part of the Russian Empire until the end of World War II, when it was transferred to Finland as part of the peace treaty. However, in 1944, the Soviet Union reoccupied the region, and it has remained part of Russia ever since. Today, the Karelian people continue to maintain their cultural identity, and there are ongoing efforts to preserve their language and traditions.