Stavropol region

Stavropol region is located in the south of the European part of Russia, is a part of North Caucasian federal district.

The history of the region began in 1777, when settlement of Ciscaucasia and the North Caucasus began according to decree of Catherine the Great. At that time, the territory of present Stavropol became a part of the Astrakhan region. In 1802, the Caucasian province was formed under Alexander the First decree. The main part of it has been occupied with the earth of modern Stavropol. In 1822, the province will be reorganized to the Caucasian region, and in 1847 – to the Stavropol region. In 1860, the territory of the region approached to modern borders. The territory of Stavropol region remained almost unchanged till 1924.

In October, 1924 Stavropol became a part of the North Caucasian region. There appeared an Ordzhonikidzevsky krai with the center in Stavropol as a result of this reorganization in 1936. In 1941 the region got the modern name.

The most part of the population of Stavropol region is made by Russians, but along with them there are representatives of 92 nationalities. The largest cities of the region are: Stavropol (being an administrative center), Pyatigorsk, Kislovodsk, Nevinnomyssk, Yessentuki, Mineralnye Vody, Budennovsk.

Both the industry and agriculture is rather well developed in Stavropol region.The industry is presented by mechanic engineering, oil production and oil refining, food and chemical branches. As for agriculture, it is one of the most important branches of regional economy which makes a specialty out of grain and sunflower growing, and animal husbandry.

Thanks to the geographical position and rich natural resources, Stavropol region is by right considered to be "a unique health resort". Mountains, sea air and numerous healing springs attract here thousands tourists from the whole country. In 2007, the special economic zone of tourist and recreational type was created in the territory of Stavropol.

Stavropol region is rich with various monuments of culture and history; there are more than 2000 of them here. Five cities of Stavropol region have the status of historical ones (Stavropol, Kislovodsk, Pyatigorsk, Zheleznovodsk and Budennovsk). Besides, two memorial estates, fortifications, and memorial houses of great people are located in the region.