Kamchatka Krai

Kamchatka Krai is an administrative division in Far Eastern Russia that spans the peninsula of the same name and adjacent mainland areas. The region sits between the Sea of Okhotsk to the west and the Bering Sea to the east and is crossed by several mountain ranges.

Russian explorers reached the peninsula in the 17th century and established early administrative posts there. The current administrative unit emerged through the merger of two former territories following a referendum of the inhabitants.

Large portions of the territory remain uninhabited and protected from human interference through designated conservation areas. Several indigenous peoples inhabit remote settlements along the coast and maintain their fishing and reindeer herding traditions there.

Most visitors arrive in summer when the weather makes travel and wildlife observation easier. The main town of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky serves as a base for tours into the surrounding natural areas.

A valley with hot springs near Kronotsky volcano lies remote inside a protected area and ranks among the few active geyser fields worldwide. Only a handful of research stations provide shelter for people in this part of the peninsula.

Location: Russia

Inception: 2007

Capital city: Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky

Part of: Far Eastern Federal District

Shares border with: Magadan Oblast, Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, Sakhalin Oblast

Website: https://kamgov.ru

GPS coordinates: 56.00000,159.00000

Latest update: December 4, 2025 19:01