Republic of Mordovia: area, geographical location, natural conditions and history

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:44

An ordinary person knows very little about Mordovia, but this is a whole republic with a developed industrial base, excellent ecology, beautiful and diverse nature, and an interesting history. In this article we will try to give maximum information about this country

Where is Mordovia and who lives in it

The Republic of Mordovia is located in the Volga Federal District. This republic borders on the Nizhny Novgorod, Ryazan, Ulyanovsk and Penza regions, as well as on the Republic of Chuvashia.

The geographical position of Mordovia is as follows: part of it belongs to the Oka-Don plain, and the other part to the Volga Upland. Another important fact is the proximity of Mordovia to our capital - only 398 km. The total area of Mordovia is 26,128 km², divided into 22 administrative districts, which include 14 urban-type settlements and 7 cities. The capital since 1934 is the city of Saransk.

The population of the Republic of Mordovia is a little over 800 thousand, whichindicates that the area is densely populated. The main nationalities living in these territories are Mordovians, Russians and Tatars. In total, the area of Mordovia accommodates more than 110 different nationalities.

Economic status of Mordovia

Mordovia plays a significant role in the economic situation of our great country. The main directions of the economy of this republic are production and agriculture. Such industries as metalworking, mechanical engineering, woodworking, chemical and electrical engineering are especially well developed.

The republic has excellent potential for the development of scientific activity, which completely replaces the lack of deposits of any minerals. The only thing that appreciates the bowels of Mordovia is a variety of ceramic clay and the presence of mineral waters. With the help of state support, research centers have been created and built in the republic, where the most innovative and modern technologies are being developed. Mordovia is distinguished by its fertile lands, which are excellent conditions for the development of the agricultural sector. Therefore, both crop production and animal husbandry are actively developing in the republic. Since the region is constantly developing and showing positive dynamics, the standard of living in Mordovia is gradually increasing. There is a positive trend in average life expectancy in the republic.

Natural conditions of Mordovia

The republic has an excellent location, mostly in the forests. Square of Mordoviaoccupied mainly by forests of mixed type and forest-steppe, which prevail in the landscape of the republic. Such natural conditions contribute to the presence of a rich and diverse flora and fauna. The main plant species in these forests are pine, larch, spruce, ash, maple, alder and birch.

On the territory of the region there are many species of plants and animals that are listed in the Red Book. Therefore, back in 1936, it was decided to create a state reserve, which since 2013 has been an official object of tourist destinations.

The natural conditions of Mordovia allow you to meet unique species of animals and birds there: white-tailed eagle and more than 260 species of birds, lynx, desman, steppe gopher, marten, deer and wild boar. And this is not the whole list of fauna that inhabit the expanses of this region.

Water resources of Mordovia, Lake District

The area of Mordovia is small. But despite this, there are more than 500 natural lakes, which makes it possible to call this region a lake district. The largest of them is a lake called Inerka, or the Great Lake. All lakes are of natural origin and are mainly filled with groundwater and springs. They are also rich in a variety of fish species that are not found in other areas, which contributes to the excellent development of fisheries.

Rivers

Multiple riverbeds pass through the territory of Mordovia. If you look at the mapRepublic, you can see how densely the region is covered with all kinds of water arteries.

The largest river that flows through the region is the Moksha. The river begins its course in the neighboring Penza region and flows through Mordovia into the Oka already on the territory of the Ryazan Territory.

The Sura River is considered one of the most beautiful rivers flowing along the Volga Upland. Tourist routes often pass here, rafting in kayaks and kayaks, recreation centers and children's he alth camps have been built.

And the most full-flowing river of the region is considered to be the Alatyr, which differs greatly in its landscape from other waterways of the region. In some places, the width of this river reaches 5 km.

History of the region

The territory of modern Mordovia until the 20th century officially had no administrative significance and only in 1930 acquired the status of an autonomous region, which is part of modern Russia. The history of the Republic of Mordovia begins its existence from the Finno-Ugric tribes who lived on these lands from about the 11th century AD. The Golden Horde, which completely captured and devastated these territories, had a significant impact on the development of political and economic factors. In the 15th century, the Mordovian lands became part of the Khanate of Kazan. But in 1552, this khanate was conquered, and the territory of Mordovia became part of the Russian State.

All these factors also had a significant impact on religious trends. The main religion in all territories of ancient Mordovia up tomid-eighteenth century was Islam. And only after this date, Orthodoxy began to enter the main way of life of the inhabitants of this region.

After the revolution in Mordovia, as in other regions of the country, Soviet power was established. The people living in this region have always considered themselves more oppressed. Therefore, the new regime was accepted with great discontent, followed by riots and uprisings.

In the early 30s of the last century, the labor of prisoners who served their terms in numerous camps located in the region began to be actively used. The region went through the times of perestroika in the 1990s with great difficulties. Almost all production facilities were closed, and there were not enough funds for the development of agriculture. But, starting from 1998, the economic situation in the republic began to return to normal.

History of cultural development

Since the area of Mordovia has been inhabited since ancient times, the cultural values of this region can boast of their abundance. Mordovia is the custodian of a large number of archaeological and architectural values, many of which have ancient roots. On the territory of the republic there are ancient Orthodox monasteries, where, especially on church holidays, pilgrims come not only from Russia, but also from other countries of the world. In Mordovia, they carefully protect their historical roots and heritage, so work is underway in the region to develop the Finno-Ugric culture. For this, special congresses, fairs and festivals are held, in whichthe young population of the region takes part with great pleasure.

National Treasure

Mordovian craftswomen can boast of unique embroideries and sewing of national dresses, which then participate in ethnic holidays. And national dishes of local cuisine are distinguished by unique taste qualities, although they are prepared mainly from meat. The main traditions of this people have their roots in the distant past, but one thing can be said with certainty that they are all built on close and trusting relationships between man and nature.