Republic of Karelia

Republic of Karelia is a federal subject of Russia, located in the northwest part of the country, near the border with Finland. Its capital and largest city is Petrozavodsk. The Republic of Karelia is known for its unique natural beauty, including vast forests, numerous lakes, and the famous Kizhi Island, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its ancient wooden architecture.

Geography

The Republic of Karelia is characterized by its rugged terrain, which is part of the Baltic Shield, a large geological formation in northeastern Europe. The region is renowned for its thousands of lakes, the largest of which are Lake Onega and Lake Ladoga, two of the largest lakes in Europe. The republic's extensive forested areas are part of the Taiga biome, which is crucial for biodiversity and environmental balance.

History

The area of the Republic of Karelia has been inhabited since the end of the last Ice Age, as evidenced by ancient rock carvings found at sites such as Belomorsk. Historically, the region has been a contested territory between the Swedes and Russians, with control shifting over the centuries. The Treaty of Stolbovo in 1617 and the Treaty of Nystad in 1721 were significant in defining the borders between Sweden and Russia, impacting the area of modern-day Karelia.

Following the Russian Revolution of 1917, Karelia went through several administrative changes, eventually becoming the Karelo-Finnish Soviet Socialist Republic in 1940, after parts of it were ceded to the Soviet Union by Finland. In 1956, it was downgraded to the Karelian Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic and remained a part of the RSFSR (Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic) until the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, when it became the Republic of Karelia within the Russian Federation.

Demographics

The population of the Republic of Karelia is diverse, with ethnic Russians making up the majority. There are also significant communities of Karelians, Finns, and other ethnic groups. The official languages are Russian and Karelian, the latter of which is a Finno-Ugric language closely related to Finnish.

Economy

The economy of the Republic of Karelia is primarily based on natural resources, including forestry, fishing, and mining. The region is rich in timber, as well as minerals such as iron ore and diamonds. Tourism is also a growing sector, with visitors drawn to the republic's natural beauty, historical sites, and cultural festivals.

Culture

Karelian culture is a blend of Russian and Finnish influences, with its own unique traditions, language, and cuisine. Traditional Karelian dishes include karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pies) and kalakukko (fish pie). The republic is also known for its folk music and dances, as well as its vibrant arts scene, which includes literature, theater, and visual arts.

See Also

• Kizhi Island
• Lake Onega
• Lake Ladoga
• Baltic Shield