Chukotka Autonomous Okrug facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chukotka Autonomous OkrugЧукотский автономный округ (Russian) Чукоткакэн автономныкэн округ (Chukchi) |
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| — Autonomous Okrug — | |||||
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| Political status | |||||
| Country | Russia | ||||
| Federal district | Far Eastern Federal District | ||||
| Economic region | Far Eastern Economic Region | ||||
| Established | December 10, 1930 | ||||
| Administrative center | Anadyr | ||||
| Government (as of April 2015) | |||||
| • Governor | Roman Kopin | ||||
| • Legislature | Duma of Chukotka Autonomous Okrug | ||||
| Statistics | |||||
| Area (as of the 2002 Census) | |||||
| • Total | 737,700 km2 (284,800 sq mi) | ||||
| Area rank | 7th | ||||
| Population (2010 Census) | |||||
| • Total | 50,526 | ||||
| • Rank | 82nd | ||||
| • Density | 0.07/km2 (0.18/sq mi) | ||||
| Population (January 2015 est.) | |||||
| • Total | 50,540 | ||||
| Time zone(s) | MAGT (UTC+12:00) | ||||
| ISO 3166-2 | RU-CHU | ||||
| License plates | 87 | ||||
| Official languages | Russian; Chukchi | ||||
| Official website: http://www.chukotka.org | |||||
The Chukotka Autonomous Okrug is a special region in the far east of Russia. It's located in the Asian part of the country. This area is part of the Far Eastern District, which includes ten other regions. Chukotka also shares a sea border with Alaska in the United States.
Contents
History of Chukotka
In ancient times, the land where Chukotka is now was connected to North America. This connection was a land bridge called Beringia. Scientists believe that the first humans traveled to the Americas using this route. Later, the area became home to the Chukchi people and other native groups. Some of these groups are related to the Inuit people.
Russian Arrival and Control
In the 17th century, Russians first arrived in the area. They wanted to control the native people. At first, Chukotka was not seen as very important. But soon, its natural resources were discovered. Also, people realized the area could be used for military purposes.
The Russians tried many times to control the native people by force. However, these attempts did not work. Finally, in 1778, the Russians made peace with the Chukchis.
Later Challenges and Soviet Era
During the 19th and 20th centuries, other countries tried to claim land and resources in Chukotka. But the Russians drove them away. Russia became more worried about other countries being in the region.
During the time of the Soviet Union, native people were brought under government control. They were made to move to new places. Also, forced labor camps were built in the area. After World War II started, tin and gold were mined there. These minerals helped supply the war efforts.
Modern Chukotka
In 1991, when the Soviet Union ended, Chukotka declared itself a subject of Russia. It is still an autonomous okrug today. This means it has some self-governing powers within Russia.
Geography and Climate
Chukotka is the easternmost point of Russia. It is also the easternmost part of mainland Asia. The Bering Strait and the International Date Line separate it from Alaska, USA.
Cold Tundra Environment
Chukotka is in the northeastern part of Siberia. Because of this, it has a polar tundra climate. This means it has long, very cold winters. Summers are short and mild. The area does not get much rainfall. Most of the ground is frozen all year round.
The landscape is mostly empty, with few animals or plants. However, the region is rich in valuable minerals. Wrangel Island, which is north of Chukotka, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
People of Chukotka
The number of people living in Chukotka has been going down since the Soviet Union ended. About 65% of the people live in cities and towns.
Ethnic Groups and Beliefs
Roughly one-third of the population are ethnic Chukchis. Russians make up about half of the people. Other local ethnic groups make up the rest. Most Chukchis follow Shamanism. This is a belief system that worships spirits and nature. Others practice Orthodox Christianity.
Languages Spoken
Russian is commonly taught and used in Chukotka. The Chukchi language is used less often, mostly at home. However, there are efforts to make the Chukchi language popular again.
Economy and Resources
Chukotka's economy mostly depends on mining. They mine minerals like coal, gold, natural gas, and oil. Most people in Chukotka work for large mining companies.
Traditional Lifestyles
Other people in rural areas continue to practice traditional ways of life. These include raising reindeer, hunting whales, and fishing. Growing crops and raising farm animals are usually not possible because of the cold climate.
Future Trade Routes
The Northern Sea Route is a sea trade path that is expected to improve the economy. This route is planned to be ready for more shipping in the future.
Government and Politics
The Governor of Chukotka is the main leader of the region. The people choose the Governor by voting every five years.
Regional Parliament
The Duma of Chukotka Autonomous Okrug is the region's parliament. The members of the Duma are also chosen by public vote every five years. There are currently 15 members of parliament. Most of these lawmakers are from the United Russia party. This is the main ruling party of Russia.
Famous Former Governor
Roman Abramovich, a former governor of Chukotka, is well-known. He is famous for owning the Chelsea Football Club. He has given more than US$2.5 billion to build schools, hospitals, and other buildings in Chukotka.
Transportation in Chukotka
Traveling in Chukotka can be hard because there are no railroads and not many roads. Most long-distance travel happens by sea or by air.
Air Travel
The region has several airports, like the Ugolny Airport. However, there are no international flights. Special permits are needed to enter Chukotka. This is because the area is along an international border.
Images for kids
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Frozen wilderness of far northern Chukotka
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An early (1773) map of Chukotka, showing the route of Dezhnyov expedition of 1648
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Painting of Chukchi by Louis Choris, 1816
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Districts of Chukotka. Chaunsky District and Anadyr town highlighted.
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View of Egvekinot
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Pevek
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Bilibinsky District in Chukotka
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See also
In Spanish: Distrito autónomo de Chukotka para niños
