Chukotka

Chukotka, officially Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, is a federal subject of Russia located in the far northeast of Asia, within the Far Eastern Federal District. Its administrative center is Anadyr. The okrug is among the most sparsely populated regions of the country, with indigenous communities of the Chukchi and Yupik peoples living alongside Russians. Russian is the dominant language, while Chukchi and Yupik are spoken in local communities.

Its territory includes the Chukotka Peninsula and several offshore islands, including Wrangel Island. It borders the Bering Strait to the east, separating Russia from Alaska, and its coastline faces the Chukchi and Bering seas. The landscape ranges from coastal tundra to rugged mountains, with extensive permafrost and a climate that is subarctic to polar.

Economy centers on mining, fishing, and public administration. Mineral resources such as gold and other metals are exploited, and coastal fisheries provide employment. Pevek is the administrative center of Chaunsky District and a port on the Chaunskaya Bay; Anadyr is the regional capital. The region has limited infrastructure and harsh winters affect transport and development.

Indigenous cultures include the Chukchi, who traditionally herd reindeer, and Yupik communities engaged in subsistence hunting and fishing. Languages include Chukchi, Yupik, and Russian. The Wrangel Island Reserve protects Arctic wildlife and is a notable natural site in the region.

Historically, Chukotka was explored by Russians in the 17th century and later incorporated into the Russian state. In the late 20th century it was established as a separate autonomous okrug within Russia, and since the 1990s has faced economic transformation and modernization while remaining remote and sparsely populated.