Yakutia

Yakutia, officially the Sakha Republic, is a federal subject of Russia located in the northeastern part of Siberia. It covers about 3.1 million square kilometers, making it the largest subnational entity in Russia and one of the largest in the world. The capital and largest city is Yakutsk.

Geography and environment are defining features of the republic. Much of Yakutia lies within permafrost, and the landscape ranges from taiga and forest-steppe to vast tundra zones. The Lena River and its tributaries, including the Aldan and the Vilyuy, are major waterways. The climate is subarctic to polar, with long, harsh winters and short summers. The region is rich in mineral resources, notably diamonds, gold, coal and tin, which underpins a significant mining industry.

Demographics and administration: the population is diverse, with the Sakha (Yakut) people forming the largest ethnic group, alongside Russians and other communities. The official languages are Russian and Sakha (Yakut). The republic is divided into districts and urban localities and has its own constitution and government within the Russian Federation.

History and economy: the area was inhabited by the Yakut peoples before being incorporated into the Russian Empire in the 17th century through exploration and fort-building. It developed as part of the Soviet Union in the 20th century and remains a constituent entity of Russia. The economy is dominated by mining, especially diamonds, along with gold, coal and other minerals, supported by energy and infrastructure development. The region also maintains traditional practices such as reindeer herding and northern Indigenous cultures.