List of States in Russia

Russia is divided into 83 regions, or “subjects of the Federation”. The Russian Federation consists of 21 republics, 9 territories, 46 regions, 1 autonomous region, 4 autonomous districts, and 2 federally subordinate cities, Moscow and St. Petersburg. Russia’s capital is Moscow, which has a population of around 10 million. These regions are administratively equal, yet some have greater authority than others. The Russian Federation is the world’s largest federal state, with more than 100 different nationalities and ethnicities.

In this article, we will look into the administrative divisions of Russia, a list of states in Russia, and their key facts.

Overview of Russia’s Administrative Divisions

Russia is the largest country in the world by land area and is administratively divided into several levels of subdivisions. The primary administrative divisions of Russia are as follows:

1. Federal Subjects: Russia is a federation consisting of 83 federal subjects, which include republics, krais (territories), oblasts (provinces), autonomous okrugs (autonomous districts), federal cities, and an autonomous oblast. These federal subjects have varying degrees of autonomy and are further divided into districts, cities, towns, and rural localities.
2. Republics: There are 21 republics in Russia, each of which is based on the territory of a specific ethnic minority group. These republics have their constitutions, languages, and cultural institutions, providing a degree of self-governance to the respective ethnic groups.
3. Krais and Oblasts: Krais and oblasts are similar to provinces or regions in other countries. There are nine krais and 46 oblasts in Russia. They are the most common type of federal subject and are primarily based on geographic and historical factors.
4. Autonomous Okrugs: Autonomous okrugs are regions with a significant population of indigenous peoples. There are 4 autonomous okrugs in Russia, each with a degree of self-governance and cultural autonomy.
5. Federal Cities: Russia has 3 federal cities – Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and Sevastopol. These cities have a special status and are directly subordinate to the federal government, rather than being part of any oblast or krai.
6. Autonomous Oblast: There is 1 autonomous oblast in Russia, the Jewish Autonomous Oblast. It was established as a home for the Jewish population but currently has a diverse ethnic composition.

Check: Russia | Area, Population, Climate, Government & Resources in Russia

List of States in Russia

The following table lists the states under the different federal districts in Russia:

Federal Districts	States
Central	Belgorod Oblast, Bryansk Oblast, Ivanovo Oblast, Kaluga Oblast, Kostroma Oblast, Moscow Oblast, Oryol Oblast, Ryazan Oblast, Smolensk Oblast, Tambov Oblast, Tver Oblast, Tula Oblast, Vladimir Oblast, Voronezh Oblast.
Eastern	Amur Oblast, Jewish Autonomous Oblast, Kamchatka Krai, Magadan Oblast, Primorsky Krai, Sakhalin Oblast, Khabarovsk Krai, Zabaykalsky Krai, Republic of Buryatia, Sakha (Yakutia) Republic, Chukotka Autonomous Okrug.
North Caucasian	Chechnya, Dagestan, Ingushetia, Kabardino-Balkaria, Karachay-Cherkessia, North Ossetia-Alania.
Northwestern	Arkhangelsk Oblast, Kaliningrad Oblast, Komi Republic, Leningrad Oblast, Murmansk Oblast, Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Novgorod Oblast, Pskov Oblast, Republic of Karelia, Saint Petersburg.
Siberian	Altai Krai, Altai Republic, Buryatia, Irkutsk Oblast, Khakassia, Kemerovo Oblast, Novosibirsk Oblast, Omsk Oblast, Tomsk Oblast, Tuva Republic.
Southern	Adygea, Astrakhan Oblast, Kalmykia, Krasnodar Krai, Rostov Oblast, Volgograd Oblast.
Ural	Chelyabinsk Oblast, Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, Kurgan Oblast, Sverdlovsk Oblast, Tyumen Oblast, Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug.
Volga	Bashkortostan, Chuvashia, Kirov Oblast, Mari El, Mordovia, Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, Orenburg Oblast, Penza Oblast, Perm Krai, Republic of Tatarstan, Samara Oblast, Saratov Oblast, Udmurtia, Ulyanovsk Oblast.

Check: List of Countries Bordering Russia

List of States in the Central Federal District of Russia

The following table lists the states in the central federal district of Russia:

State	Description
Belgorod Oblast	Known for its agricultural industry and historical significance.
Bryansk Oblast	Region known for its forests and cultural heritage.
Ivanovo Oblast	Oblast famous for its textile industry and historic architecture.
Kaluga Oblast	Region recognized for its scientific achievements and historic landmarks.
Kostroma Oblast	Known for its cultural heritage, historic wooden architecture, and the Ipatiev Monastery.
Moscow Oblast	Surrounding region of Moscow, known for its economic significance and historical sites.
Oryol Oblast	Oblast with a major role in Russian history and cultural landmarks.
Ryazan Oblast	Known for its historic monuments and cultural institutions.
Smolensk Oblast	Known for its historical significance, including the Smolensk War and the Smolensk Fortress.
Tambov Oblast	Known for its agriculture and historic landmarks.
Tver Oblast	Region with scenic landscapes, historic towns, and cultural heritage.
Tula Oblast	Known for its industrial production, historic sites, and the Tula Arsenal.
Vladimir Oblast	Recognized for its cultural and historical significance, including the Golden Ring of Russia.
Voronezh Oblast	Known for its agricultural industry and historic landmarks.

Check: Russian Relations with Neighboring Countries

List of States in the Eastern District of Russia

The following table lists the states in the eastern district of Russia:

State	Description
Amur Oblast	Area characterized by its vast forests, rivers, and the Amur River.
Jewish Autonomous Oblast	Autonomous oblast established as a Jewish homeland.
Kamchatka Krai	Remote region famous for its volcanoes, geysers, and wildlife.
Magadan Oblast	Remote region in the Russian Far East known for its harsh climate and gold mining history.
Primorsky Krai	Far Eastern region known for its scenic coastline and diverse wildlife.
Sakhalin Oblast	Far Eastern region known for its natural resources and oil and gas industry.
Khabarovsk Krai	Far Eastern region known for its landscapes and the Amur tiger habitat.
Zabaykalsky Krai	Region known for its landscapes and mineral resources.
Republic of Buryatia	Republic in Siberia known for its scenic beauty and Buddhist monasteries.
Sakha (Yakutia) Republic	Largest federal subject of Russia, known for its extreme climate and diamond mining industry.

Check: List of Sovereign States

List of States in the North Caucasian District of Russia

The following table lists the states in the north Caucasian district of Russia:

State	Description
Chechnya	Complex history and vibrant culture.
Dagestan	Diverse ethnic groups and rich cultural traditions.
Ingushetia	Mountainous landscapes and warm hospitality.
Kabardino-Balkaria	Beautiful mountain landscapes.
Karachay-Cherkessia	Diverse ethnic groups and stunning mountain scenery.
North Ossetia-Alania	Mountainous landscapes and unique culture.

Check: Moscow | Map, History, Geography & Population

List of States in the Northwestern Federal District of Russia

The following table lists the states in the Northwestern Federal District of Russia:

State	Description
Arkhangelsk Oblast	Arctic landscapes and fishing industry.
Kaliningrad Oblast	Baltic Sea coast and historical sites.
Komi Republic	Boreal forests and indigenous Komi culture.
Leningrad Oblast	Saint Petersburg surroundings, historic sites, and cultural landmarks.
Murmansk Oblast	Arctic Circle, polar nights, and northernmost port city.
Nenets Autonomous Okrug	Arctic region and indigenous Nenets people.
Novgorod Oblast	Rich history and well-preserved medieval architecture.
Pskov Oblast	Historical legacy and well-preserved medieval architecture.
Republic of Karelia	Beautiful nature, lakes, forests, and national parks.
Saint Petersburg	Cultural capital of Russia, architectural landmarks, and artistic heritage.

Check: Russian Revolution

List of States in the Siberian Federal District of Russia

The following table lists the states in the Siberian Federal District of Russia:

State	Description
Altai Krai	Stunning natural landscapes, including the Altai Mountains.
Altai Republic	Unique blend of nature, culture, and indigenous traditions.
Buryatia	Scenic beauty and Buddhist monasteries.
Irkutsk Oblast	Surrounding Lake Baikal, the deepest freshwater lake in the world.
Khakassia	Rich history and unique Khakass culture.
Kemerovo Oblast	Rich mineral resources and industrial centers.
Krasnoyarsk Krai	Vast wilderness and natural beauty.
Novosibirsk Oblast	Scientific research and technological advancements.
Omsk Oblast	Mix of urban and rural areas, industrial centers.
Tomsk Oblast	Scientific research and educational institutions.
Tuva	Unique culture, including throat singing and nomadic traditions.
Republic of Tyva	Unique culture, including throat singing and nomadic traditions.
Tyumen Oblast	Oil and gas industry and diverse landscapes.
Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug	Natural gas industry and indigenous peoples.

List of States in the Southern Federal District of Russia

The following table lists the states in the southern federal district of Russia:

State	Description
Adygea	Mountainous terrain and rich cultural heritage.
Astrakhan Oblast	Volga Delta, rich biodiversity, and Caspian Sea coastline.
Kalmykia	Only Buddhist region in Europe.
Krasnodar Krai	Black Sea resorts and agriculture.
Rostov Oblast	Agricultural output and historic landmarks.
Volgograd Oblast	WWII history and Volgograd (formerly Stalingrad) Battle.

List of States in the Ural Federal District of Russia

The following table lists the states in the Ural District of Russia:

State	Description
Chelyabinsk Oblast	Industrial centers and natural landmarks.
Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug	Oil and gas industry and indigenous Khanty and Mansi cultures.
Kurgan Oblast	Diverse landscapes and historical sites.
Sverdlovsk Oblast	Industrial centers, cultural landmarks, and natural attractions.
Tyumen Oblast	Oil and gas industry and diverse landscapes.
Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug	Natural gas industry and indigenous peoples.

List of States in the Volga Federal District of Russia

The following table lists the states in the Volga Federal District of Russia:

State	Description
Bashkortostan	Diverse ethnic makeup and rich cultural heritage.
Chuvashia	Chuvash culture and historical landmarks.
Kirov Oblast	Mix of forested areas and historical landmarks.
Mari El	Mari culture and traditional festivals.
Mordovia	Mordvin culture and colorful festivals.
Nizhny Novgorod Oblast	Historic significance and vibrant cultural scene.
Orenburg Oblast	Diverse cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Penza Oblast	Cultural institutions and historical sites.
Perm Krai	Mix of natural landscapes and industrial centers.
Republic of Tatarstan	Rich cultural heritage and vibrant economy.
Samara Oblast	Mix of urban and rural areas, aerospace industry, and natural beauty.
Saratov Oblast	Volga River landscapes and cultural heritage.
Udmurtia	Udmurt culture and historical landmarks.
Ulyanovsk Oblast	Cultural institutions and scenic beauty.
Republic of Tatarstan,	Diverse ethnic makeup and rich cultural heritage.
Republic of Mari El	Mari culture and traditional festivals.

Conclusion on List of States in Russia

In conclusion, Russia is a huge country with multiple regions, each with its unique characteristics, cultural legacy, and significance. From the Arctic landscapes of the Northwestern Federal District to the scenic beauty of the Far Eastern Federal District, and from the historic cities of the Central Federal District to the cultural melting pot of the North Caucasus Federal District, Russia’s states provide an abundance of landscapes, cultures, and histories. Understanding the richness and complexity of these regions is essential for knowing every aspect of Russia’s cultural, economic, and geopolitical landscape.

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List of States in Russia- FAQs

How many states are in Russia?

Russia has 21 republics, 9 territories, 46 regions, 1 autonomous region, 4 autonomous districts, and 2 federal cities: Moscow and St. Petersburg.

How many cities in Russia?

In Russia, there are 1,100 towns and cities spread across 46 provinces. It’s a diverse society with about 100 different ethnic groups, but Russian is the language spoken by everyone.

What are the administrative divisions of Russia?

Russia is divided into 83 federal subjects, including republics, krais, oblasts, autonomous okrugs, and federal cities.

Who is the biggest state of Russia?

The Sakha Republic in Russia holds the title for the world’s largest state. Situated in northeastern Russia, it spans approximately 1.2 million square miles and hosts a population of nearly one million. Yakutsk, its capital, ranks as the second coldest capital city globally.

How many federal districts are there in Russia?

There are 8 federal districts in Russia, each overseen by a presidential envoy.

What is Russia’s smallest state?

Ingushetia is Russia’s smallest republic and federal subject, excluding three federal cities. The most populous federal subjects, Moscow Oblast (with Moscow) and Krasnodar Krai, are in European Russian

What is the most populous state in Russia?

Moscow, the capital city, is the most populous state in Russia, with over 12 million residents.

How many states left Russia?

The dissolution of the former superpower resulted in the emergence of 15 independent nations: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.

Which state in Russia is known as the “Gateway to Siberia”?

Tyumen Oblast is often referred to as the “Gateway to Siberia” due to its location and importance as a transit hub.

Is Russia divided into states?

Presently, the Russian Federation is administratively divided into 21 republics, 6 krays (federal territories), 2 federal cities (Moscow and St. Petersburg), 49 regions, 1 autonomous region, and 10 autonomous areas.

Which state in Russia is famous for its oil and gas industry?

Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug is famous for its extensive oil and gas reserves and production.

What is the significance of the Golden Ring of Russia?

The Golden Ring refers to a group of historic cities northeast of Moscow, known for their cultural and architectural heritage.

Which state in Russia is home to Lake Baikal, the deepest lake in the world?

Irkutsk Oblast, located in Siberia, surrounds Lake Baikal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What is the primary economic activity in the Krasnodar Krai region?

Krasnodar Krai is a major agricultural center, known for its production of grains, vegetables, and fruits.

Which state in Russia is known for its aerospace industry?

Samara Oblast, particularly the city of Zhukovsky, is renowned for its aerospace research and manufacturing facilities.

What is the cultural significance of the North Caucasus Federal District?

The North Caucasus Federal District is culturally diverse, with vibrant traditions, languages, and ethnicities.