Zabaykalsky Krai

Zabaykalsky Krai is an administrative division in far eastern Russia that stretches between Lake Baikal and the Chinese frontier. Mountain ranges cross this territory, while dense forests and river valleys shape the landscape.

This territory came into being in 2008 following a referendum that united two older administrative units. The reorganization brought together regions that had historically been shaped by different administrative traditions.

The region reflects a fusion of Russian and Buryat populations, with Russians comprising 89.2% and Buryats 7.4% according to the 2021 census.

The region shares borders with China and Mongolia, creating cross-border possibilities for travelers. Visitors should prepare for long distances between places and changing weather conditions across different seasons.

The Chara Sands form an unusual desert landscape within the Siberian taiga. This sandy patch emerged from deposits left by Ice Age rivers and now sits surrounded by forested mountains.

Location: Russia

Inception: March 1, 2008

Capital city: Chita

Elevation above the sea: 1,600 m

Reference: RU-ZAB

Part of: Far Eastern Federal District

Shares border with: Buryatia, Irkutsk Oblast, Sakha, Amur Oblast, Inner Mongolia, Dornod Province, Khentii Province, Selenge Province, Heilongjiang

Website: https://75.ru

GPS coordinates: 54.00000,118.00000

Latest update: December 11, 2025 21:05