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The capital city of Magadan oblast: Magadan.
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.
The territory of Magadan region was inhabited by Yakuts in the 18th century, before the first Russian Cossacks came to the Kolyma area. The history of Magadan area actually started in 1920s when geological survey expeditions arrived there. In early 1930s they found gold deposits.
The firm “Dalstroy” was organized and it worked the mines. By the end of 1930s the first gold mines were built and settlements were constructed around them. At that time unpaid work of the convicted was widely used, the hardest work was fulfilled by the prisoners. Since 1950s the prisoners were gradually replaced by workers from other regions of the country. Magadan oblast was officially formed in 1953 on the region previously known as Kolyma.
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. About half of the population of the region left it from the times of Soviet Union collapse.
Among the indigenous people of Magadan oblast are Chuvans, Evens, Itelmens, Koryaks, Orochs and others. By 2007 57% of local small nations were Evens, 23% - Koryaks, 13% - Itelmens. Most part of the population residing in rural districts are busy in original trade, the main ones are fishing and reindeer-breeding.
Magadan oblast view
Magadan region view
Magadan oblast scenery
The climate of Magadan oblast is severe, the oblast is rather far from central regions of the country. Winters last 6-7,5 months. The average temperature within a year is below zero throughout the oblast. Over a half of the territory is washed by Okhotskoye Sea and Pacific Ocean. About 3/4 of the territory is occupied by tundra and forest tundra.
Magadan oblast soils are not very fertile. The oblast is rich in mineral deposits as well as deposits of non-ferrous and rare metals: gold, silver, tin, tungsten, copper, molybdenum, poly-metallic ores. There are deposits of oil, peat, timber and gas concentrate.
In the future the oblast will work new deposits of gold and silver, commercial deposits of copper, molybdenum, tin and tungsten, survey and prospecting of Magadansky oil and gas shelf. There are various types of fur-bearing animals: ermines, otters, weasels, gluttons, lynxes, Arctic foxes, foxes and wolves.
Fishing industry is the second important industry after mining one and the only industry product of which is consumed not only in the country but is exported. Fishing is of high social importance in Magadanskaya oblast as it gives work for local population in the city of Magadan and the settlements around it. There are also several fish processing enterprises in small settlements Evensk, Ola and Yamsk.
The oblast is connected with other regions by air, sea and automobile transportation. There are no railways here. The main transportation gate of the oblast is Magadan sea trade port through which most of freight arrives. Also there is an international airport in Magadan city - the only city and industrial center of the region.
Magadan oblast landscape
Magadan Russia oblast landscape
Magadanskaya oblast view
Magadan Russia oblast scenery
Magadan Russia region winter
Magadan oblast winter scenery
Magadan region forest view
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