krim

Krim is the name used in several languages for the Crimean Peninsula, a region on the northern coast of the Black Sea. The peninsula lies between the Ukrainian mainland and the Black Sea; since 2014 it has been administered by Russia, though its status is widely disputed internationally.

Geography and landscape: The area covers about 27,000 square kilometers. The landscape includes the Crimean Mountains, steppe in the northeast, and a long coastline with resorts and historic towns such as Yalta and Sevastopol. The peninsula is divided into western, central, and eastern parts, and features a mix of coastal plains and rugged terrain.

History: The region has ancient Greek and Thracian influences and was home to the Crimean Khanate before being incorporated into the Russian Empire in 1783. It later became part of the Soviet Union. In 1954 it was transferred from the Russian SFSR to the Ukrainian SSR. In 2014 Russia annexed Crimea, a move that has not been recognized by most states and remains a subject of international dispute.

Demographics and culture: The population is diverse, with Russians and Ukrainians forming the majority and Crimean Tatars constituting a significant minority. After the 1944 deportation of Tatars, many returned beginning in the late 1980s, and Crimean Tatar language and culture have experienced revival efforts. Russian is widely used in daily life, and the region preserves a mix of Ukrainian, Russian, and Tatar cultural influences.

Economy and significance: Tourism, agriculture (notably wine and fruit), and maritime industries are important sectors. The region hosts historic sites such as Livadia Palace and a strategic port in Sevastopol, contributing to its political and cultural profile in the broader Black Sea area.