North-Caucasian economic region is an important transport intersection

Zhitnitsa, smithy and health resort of Russia

The North Caucasus occupies a very favorable geographical position. Located on the Caucasus Isthmus between the three seas, it is the gateway through which Russia connects with the states of the Transcaucasus and Asia Minor.

It includes: the Rostov region, Stavropol and the Krasnodar Territory, as well as seven republics. The North Caucasian economic region borders not only with two developed regions of the country, but also with Ukraine.

Natural resources

In the North Caucasus there are a variety of landscapes. High mountain ranges adjoin to the steppe plains, snow tops rise above subtropical vegetation.

According to natural conditions, the North Caucasus economic region is divided into several zones. The presence of such a large variety in natural conditions is due, first of all, to the complex terrain. This significantly affected the resettlement of people in the region and their economic activities.

The North Caucasian economic region is rich in fertile lands on the plains and magnificent pastures in the foothills. Stormy water streams flowing down from the mountains are used for obtaining hydroelectric power, and flat rivers give their water for irrigation.

Numerous resorts on the Black Sea coast, healing mineral springs, equipped camp sites in the mountains have made the North Caucasus region one of the best recreational zones in Russia.

The region is developing some types of minerals. Natural gas is mined in the Krasnodar and Stavropol Territories, oil is pumped in Chechnya and Adygea. Some non-ferrous metals are found in North Ossetia and Kabardino-Balkaria. In the Rostov region, coal is mined.

Some demography

The population in the region is almost 18 million people and is steadily increasing, as here there is a high natural increase. The region has provided labor resources, moreover, rather rapid growth rates have led to their overabundance.

The population distribution is very uneven and depends on natural conditions. The highest density is observed on the plains and in the foothills. In the arid regions of Dagestan and Stavropol, people live significantly less.

Economy and its development

The North Caucasian economic region is distinguished by well-developed agriculture, engineering industry, non-ferrous metallurgy, as well as fuel and food industry.

Thanks to the unique combination of fertile lands and mild climate, the North Caucasus has become the main supplier of grain, grapes, fruits and vegetables. In addition to grain crops, many sugar beets, citrus fruits, etc. are grown.

Geographical features of Russia significantly influenced the development of the transport complex of the North Caucasus. It is through this region that international and inter-district cargo transportation is provided along the seas, here there are major ports of the country - Tuapse, Makhachkala, Novorossiysk. Rostov-on-Don became a major river port. Threads of oil pipelines and numerous airlines connect the area with the rest of Russia.