KabardinoBalkaria

Kabardino-Balkaria, officially the Kabardino-Balkar Republic, is a federal subject of Russia located in the North Caucasus region of the Southern Federal District. Its capital and largest city is Nalchik. The republic lies in a predominantly mountainous area of the Greater Caucasus and includes parts of the Elbrus massif, home to Europe’s highest peak, Mount Elbrus. The region borders Stavropol Krai to the north, Karachay-Cedars Republic to the west, North Ossetia-Alania and Ingushetia to the north and east, Chechnya to the southeast, and Georgia to the south.

Historically, the area has been inhabited by Kabardian (Circassian) and Balkar populations and other groups. In 1921 it was established as the Kabardino-Balkarian Autonomous Oblast within the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic, later becoming the Kabardino-Balkarian Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1943–1944, Balkars were deported to Central Asia; the republic was briefly renamed and reconstituted, and in 1957 it regained its former status. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, it became a republic of the Russian Federation.

Demographics and culture: The republic is home to Kabardins (Circassians) and Balkars as the two titular ethnic groups, with Russians and other nationalities also present. Russian is the dominant language, while Kabardian and Balkar are recognized regional languages. The population practices Islam, with a significant Orthodox Christian minority among Russians and other groups.

Economy and geography: The economy combines agriculture, industry, mining, and growing tourism. Tourism is centered on mountain sports, spa resorts, and cultural heritage, with the Elbrus region and Baksan Valley attracting visitors.