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Chukotka Autonomous Okrug facts for kids

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Chukotka Autonomous Okrug
Чукотский автономный округ (Russian)
Чукоткакэн автономныкэн округ (Chukchi)
—  Autonomous Okrug  —

Flag of Chukotka

Coat of Arms of Chukotka
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.

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

Dmitry Medvedev in Chukotka 23 September 2008-7
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev visiting Chukotka in 2008.

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

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Distrito autónomo de Chukotka para niños

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