Magadan oblast, Russia (Magadanskaya)

The capital city of Magadan oblast: Magadan.

Magadan oblast overview

Magadan oblast (also spelled Magadanskaya) oblast (region) is a federal subject of Russian Federation situated in the northeastern part of Russia (included in Russian Far North regions list). Magadan oblast is part of Far Eastern Federal District. The administrative center and capital is Magadan city.

Magadan oblast population is about 163,000 (2009); land area - 462,500 sq. km.

Magadan oblast flag

Magadan oblast coat of arms

Magadan oblast map, Russia

Magadan oblast features

Main industries of Magadan oblast are mining and fishing. Magadan city is the largest and the only city and industrial center of the region. There are also several fish processing enterprises in small settlements Evensk, Ola and Yamsk.

Magadan oblast possibly has large potential of oil and natural gas exploration. About half of the population of the region left it from the times of Soviet Union collapse.

Magadan oblast history

Magadan oblast was officially formed in 1953 on the region previously known as Kolyma. The region began to grow quickly in 1930-1940th because of rich deposits of gold, silver and tin. The development was based on forced labor (a lot of forced labor camps were organized in the region).

After the death of Stalin paid labor began to dominate. A lot of people from all parts of Soviet Union were attracted especially to gold mines. Among the indigenous people of Magadan oblast are Chuvans, Evens, Itelmens, Koryaks, Orochs and others. They are busy mainly with fishing in Okhotsk Sea and reindeer herding.