Krasnoyarsk Territory

Krasnoyarsk Territory, administrative division (1989 pop. 3,595,000), c.928,000 sq mi (2,403,520 sq km), central Siberian Russia, extending from the Sayan Mts. and the Minusinsk basin in the south across the Siberian wooded steppe, taiga, and tundra to the Arctic Ocean. The territory stretches along the entire course of the Yenisei, comprising parts of the West Siberian lowland on the left bank and the central Siberian Plateau on the right bank. The territory includes Krasnoyarsk proper and the Khakass Republic (in the southwest). The former Evenki Autonomous Area (in the E central section) and the former Taymyr Autonomous Area (N of the Arctic Circle; see under Taymyr Peninsula) were merged with Krasnoyarsk Territory in Jan., 2007.

The Yenisei and its tributaries are important transportation routes and electric power sources. Surplus amounts of hydroelectric power are generated. The Trans-Siberian RR crosses the southern section of the territory. There are deposits of brown coal, graphite, iron ore, manganese, gold, copper, nickel, aluminum, palladium, uranium, and mica. In the north is an extensive lumber industry. Grain is grown, cattle and reindeer are raised, and fur trapping is carried on. Krasnoyarsk, the capital, and Kansk, Achinsk, Norilsk, Minusinsk, and Igarka are the chief cities. The southern part of the territory contains 90% of the population, which includes Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians, Khakass, Tatars, Evenki, Yakuts, and Nenets. The territory was organized in 1934. During Stalin's rule and after, the area was the site of labor camps.