What is considered the Far East and which countries does it include? What are the main attractions of the Russian Far East? Read about it below.
Far East
The term "Far East" covers all regions of the eastern part of the Eurasian continent. In geopolitics, the definition is included in the concept of the “Asia-Pacific Region”. There are 20 countries and territories of the Far East: Brunei, Singapore, the Philippines, Korea, China, Japan, Thailand, East Timor, part of Russia and others. Australia and New Zealand, which are to the east, have never been included in this concept.
In Russia, the Far East occupies 36% of the entire territory, while only 4.5% of the country's population lives in the region. Geographically, these include river basins that flow into the Pacific Ocean and the territory of Sakhalin, the Wrangel Islands, the Kuril, Commander, and Shantar Islands. Often, Transbaikalia is also ranked in the Far East of Russia.
This region of Russia has the lowest population growth. Over the past 20 years, the number of residents here has decreased by 22%. This trend will leave Chukotka and Magadan without a population after 60 years.
The northern part of the region is located beyond the Arctic Circle; therefore, snow lies almost all year round. In the north, the tundra rules the ball, and in the southern part - the taiga, interspersed with subtropical vegetation. Cataclysms, for example, earthquakes, volcanoes, geysers, are not uncommon for the Far East.
Sights of the Far East, photo
Getting to such a remote region is not too easy and often tiring (a train ride can take about a week). But still the game is worth the candle. Severe weather conditions, not designed for excessive lovers of comfort, will pay off with amazing landscapes and the warm welcome of the local population.
The main attractions of the Far East are natural objects. Lena pillars and the national park of Yakutia, Avacha bays and peaks of hills resting against the sky. Sakhalin will conquer lakes, amazing mountain ranges and islands. Kamchatka will open its guests its cold glacial sides, fast rivers and seething geysers and waterfalls.
The natural attractions of the Far East are captivating from the first seconds. There are numerous nature reserves and national parks, black volcanic beaches, lakes and rivers. You can also see the fir grove, Death Valley and Steller's Arch.
Yakutia
Yakutsk region is one of the richest in interesting natural sites. In addition, there are places with a bright historical past. About two million years ago, settlements were located on the banks of the Deering-Yuryakh River, which are probably the oldest in Eurasia.
Speaking about the sights of the Far East, we can not forget about the unique natural formations of Lena and Sinsky pillars. For 80 km along the rivers Sinaya and Lena stretch forty-meter steep cliffs. Many of the rocks store samples of ancient cave paintings.
Mount Kisilyakh, sacred to the Yakuts, is open for visits only since 2002. It is an elevation of up to 1 km, where huge blocks of stone resembling human figures are located. The idols reach almost 30 meters in height.
Death Valley is a unique place. In the local dead forest, not a single living creature lives except insects. The Ust-Vilyui National Park and the Olemkinsky Reserve are amazing in their natural beauty. An interesting memorial museum in Yakutia with the name “Political Link” contains samples of wooden buildings from the 17th century.
Kamchatka
A distant and contrasting region, which has absorbed all the colors and sights of the Far East. There are many glaciers and more than 100 volcanoes, of which 29 are active.
Avacha Bay is called the Kamchatka Gate. Its length reaches 24 km and a depth of 26 meters. After Port Jackson in Australia, it is the largest in the world. The cities of Vilyuchinsk and Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky are located on the coast of the bay. While traveling by boat on Avacha Bay, you can see the Three Brothers rock and visit the bird market. Those who are especially lucky will be able to see killer whales passing by.
On the Kamchatka Peninsula is the Valley of Geysers, which is included in the list of Seven Wonders of Russia. The valley is located on the territory of the Kronotsky Biosphere Reserve. The accumulation of geysers in this region is the largest in Eurasia.
Often, tourist hunters come to Kamchatka to hunt brown bears, polar wolves, lynxes and moose. Fishermen come in search of salmon. Fans of outdoor activities rush to Kamchatka for skiing and snowboarding, and in May for diving.
Parks and reserves
Nature reserves, natural and national parks are the most amazing sights of the Far East. In their territories are the most impressive and unspoiled natural beauties. The Kamchatka Volcanoes Natural Park combines Klyuchevsky, South Kamchatsky, Bystrinsky Parks and Nalychevo Park.
The park area is about 2.5 million hectares. Extinct and active volcanoes are found throughout the area, which allows researchers to observe the formation of mountains. This is a unique place where the landscape changes daily, and thermal springs erupt from the ground.
The Komandorsky Biosphere Natural Park includes about 15 islands. The main feature of the park is the wildlife. Here live many animals rare or endangered animals that are listed in the Red Book.
Conclusion
The Far East includes the eastern part of Russia, as well as the countries of the Asia-Pacific region. Landmarks of the Far East include historical sites, such as the sites of ancient people, and natural areas and unique sites.