Nalchik

Nalchik is the capital city of the Kabardino-Balkar Republic in the North Caucasus region of Russia. It lies on the Nalchik River in the foothills of the Greater Caucasus and serves as the republic’s administrative, cultural, and economic center.

Historically, the area was part of Russian imperial expansion in the 19th century, and Nalchik developed as a market town and railway junction. Its proximity to mineral springs and mountain scenery contributed to its development as a resort destination. On 13–14 October 2005, Nalchik experienced a militant attack and subsequent security operations that affected the city and its residents.

The economy includes light industry, timber processing, construction, and food production, with tourism supported by sanatoriums and mountain scenery in the surrounding area. The city hosts cultural institutions such as museums and theaters that reflect Kabardian and Balkar heritage. It also functions as a regional educational hub with several higher education institutions and technical colleges.

Nalchik is connected by air, rail, and road to other parts of the region. The city hosts Nalchik Airport, which provides domestic service, and lies on the North Caucasus railway network. The climate is temperate, with warm summers and cold winters, influenced by its location in the Caucasus foothills.