The average person knows very little about Mordovia, and yet it 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 located 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 the Republic of Chuvashia.
The geographical position of Mordovia is as follows: part refers 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 km 2 , 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 more than 800 thousand, which indicates a fairly dense population of the territory. The main nationalities living in these territories are Mordovians, Russians and Tatars. And in total, the area of Mordovia accommodates more than 110 different nationalities.
The economic status of Mordovia
Mordovia plays a significant role in the economic situation of our large country. The main directions of the economy of this republic are production and agriculture. Such industries as metalworking, machine building, woodworking, chemical and electrical engineering are especially well developed.
The republic has an excellent potential for the development of scientific activity, which completely replaces the absence of any mineral deposits. The only thing that is valued the depths of Mordovia is a diverse ceramic clay and the presence of mineral waters. With the help of state support, scientific 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. In the republic, there is a positive trend in average life expectancy.
Natural conditions of Mordovia
The republic has an excellent location, mainly in the forests. The area of Mordovia is mainly occupied by mixed-type forests and forest-steppes, 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.
In 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 make it possible to find there unique species of animals and birds: white-tailed eagle and more than 260 species of birds, lynx, muskrat, steppe ground squirrel, marten, deer and wild boar. And this is not the whole list of representatives of the fauna that inhabit the vastness of this region.
Water Resources of Mordovia, Lake District
The area of Mordovia is small. But despite this, more than 500 natural lakes are located there, which allows us to call this region a lake region. The largest of them is a lake called Inerka, or the Great Lake. All lakes are of natural origin and are mostly filled with groundwater and springs. They are also rich in various species of fish that are not found in other territories, which contributes to the excellent development of fishing.
Rivers
On the territory of Mordovia are multiple riverbeds. If you look at the map of the republic, you can see how densely covered the region is with all kinds of water arteries.
The largest river that flows through the region is Moksha. The river begins its flow in the neighboring Penza region and through Mordovia flows 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, kayaking and kayaking, recreation centers and children's health camps are built.
And the most full-flowing river of the region is Alatyr, which is very different in its landscape from other waterways of the region. In some places, the width of this river reaches 5 km of the line.
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. A significant influence on the development of political and economic factors was made by the Golden Horde, which completely captured and ruined these territories. In the XV century, Mordovian lands entered the Khanate of Kazan. But in 1552 this khanate was conquered, and the territory of Mordovia became part of the Russian State.
On religious trends, all these factors also had a significant impact. The main religion in all territories of ancient Mordovia until the middle of the XVIII century was Islam. And only after this date Orthodoxy began to enter the main lifestyle 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 adopted with great discontent, followed by riots and rebellions.
In the early 30s of the last century, the labor of prisoners who were serving their sentences in numerous camps located in the region began to be actively used. The times of perestroika of the 90s were experienced by the region with great difficulties. Almost all industries were closed, and there were not enough funds for the development of agriculture. But, starting in 1998, the economic situation in the republic began to enter into the norm.
History of Cultural Development
Since the area of Mordovia has been inhabited since ancient times, the cultural values of this region can boast of its abundance. Mordovia is the keeper of a large number of archaeological and architectural values, many of which have ancient roots. There are ancient Orthodox monasteries on the territory of the republic, where, especially on church holidays, pilgrims come not only from Russia, but also from other countries of the world. In Mordovia they carefully guard their historical roots and heritage, therefore, work is underway in the region to develop the Finno-Ugric culture. For this, special congresses, fairs and festivals are held, in which the young people of the region take 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, although they are mainly prepared from meat. The main traditions of this people have their roots in the distant past, but one thing is certain for sure, that they are all built on close and trusting relationships between man and nature.