Karachay-Cherkessia

Republic in the southwestern Russian Federation, part of Stavropol territory; area 14,100 sq km/5,444 sq mi; population (1996) 436,000 (46% urban) (42% Russian, 31% Karachay). Cherkessk is the capital, and Karachayevsk is another city. The republic is located on the northern slopes of the Caucasus Mountains, with lowland steppe in the north and forested foothills in the south. There are rich coal and mineral deposits (lead, zinc, and copper). Industries include mining, production of chemicals, foodstuffs, light industries, and grain and vegetable cultivation. Tourism is increasingly important in the republic.

History
The Karachay-Cherkess Autonomous Oblast was first formed in 1922. In 1926 it was divided into the Karachayev Autonomous Oblast and a Circassian Autonomous Okrug, the latter being raised to the status of the Cherkess Autonomous Oblast in 1928. In 1943 the oblast was liquidated and the Karachays deported to various parts of Central Asia and Kazakhstan. It was re-established in 1957. After the break-up of the USSR, it was declared a republic of the Russian Federation.