Bashkortostan, Republic in Southern Urals, Russia
Bashkortostan is a republic in the southern Urals of Russia, lying between the Volga River and the Ural Mountains. The territory includes valleys, hills and mountain ranges, crossed by more than 13,000 rivers and around 2,700 lakes that shape the landscape.
The territory became the first autonomous republic within Soviet Russia in 1919, after a Bashkir administration was established in November 1917. This development marked the start of formal self-government in the region following the collapse of the Tsarist Empire.
More than 100 ethnic groups live side by side here, speaking their own languages and continuing everyday traditions passed down through families. Visitors encounter this diversity in towns and villages, where local markets, seasonal celebrations and handmade crafts remain woven into daily routines.
The capital Ufa sits along major transport routes and offers access to different parts of the republic. Industry related to petroleum, chemicals, machinery and agriculture remains active in many towns, shaping local life and work rhythms across the territory.
Mount Yamantau rises to around 1,640 meters (5,380 feet) and holds the title of highest peak in the republic. Around the mountain and elsewhere in the region, many mineral springs emerge from the ground, supporting the growth of wellness centers and spa resorts.
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