Stavropol Krai

Stavropol Krai is a federal subject of Russia, located in the North Caucasus region in Southern Russia. It is part of the North Caucasian Federal District and shares borders with Krasnodar Krai, Rostov Oblast, Kalmykia, Dagestan, Chechnya, North Ossetia-Alania, Kabardino-Balkaria, and Karachay-Cherkessia.

History

The region was established as a separate administrative unit in 1924. The name "Stavropol" comes from the Greek words "stavros" (cross) and "polis" (city), meaning "the city of the cross". The region has a rich history, with archaeological evidence of human habitation dating back to the Stone Age.

Geography

Stavropol Krai covers an area of 66,160 square kilometers. The terrain is predominantly mountainous, with the Caucasus Mountains covering a significant part of the region. The highest point is Mount Dombay-Ulgen, standing at 4,046 meters above sea level. The region is also home to several rivers, including the Kuban River, the Kuma River, and the Terek River.

Economy

The economy of Stavropol Krai is diverse, with significant contributions from agriculture, industry, and services. The region is one of Russia's leading producers of grains, sunflower seeds, and meat. The industrial sector is dominated by food processing, chemical production, and machinery manufacturing.

Demographics

As of the 2010 Census, the population of Stavropol Krai was approximately 2.79 million people. The region is ethnically diverse, with Russians making up the majority of the population, followed by Armenians, Dargins, and Ukrainians.

Culture

Stavropol Krai is known for its rich cultural heritage. The region has numerous historical and architectural monuments, including the Stavropol State Historical, Cultural and Natural Landscape Museum-Reserve and the Stavropol Regional Museum of Fine Arts.

Education

The region has a well-developed education system, with several universities and colleges, including the Stavropol State University and the North-Caucasian Federal University.

See also

• List of federal subjects of Russia by population
• List of cities and towns in Stavropol Krai