The Far East is the easternmost part of Russia. The macro-region borders two oceans, the Pacific and the Arctic, and five countries (China, Japan, Mongolia, the United States and the DPRK).
The Far Eastern region spreads over four time zones and various climate zones: from northern deserts to subtropics.
The Far Eastern Federal District covers more than a third of the country’s territory. The area of the region is 6.952.555 km2, which is about 41% of the area of the entire country (the largest federal districts in terms of size).
Over the past few years, the Far East has been a dynamically developing part of the Russian Federation. Unique mechanisms such as Advanced Special Economic Zones are to create a favourable investment climate. Setting up the Vladivostok Free Port is the continuation of the TAD system. Investment projects of TAD residents aimed at the active development of the macro-region receive infrastructure support from the state.
The population of the Far East is 8.1 million people, which is more than 5% of the Russian population, according to Rosstat. Miscellaneous nationalities comprise the urban population. Ukrainians, Tatars, Koreans, Jews and a large group of indigenous peoples live in the region: Yakuts, Koryaks, Nanai, Ulchi, Udege, Itelmen, Evenk, Ainu, Aleuts, Chukchi, Eskimos, etc.
The Far Eastern Federal District includes 11 regions:
The climate of the Far East varies from continental (in Yakutia, Kolyma of the Magadan Region) to monsoon climate (in the southeast).
The climate in the north of the region, beyond the Arctic Circle, is extremely harsh. The winter lasts nearly nine months, snow covers the ground almost all year round, and the seacoasts are icy even in summer.
A monsoon type climate prevails in the southern part of the Far East with cold winters and hot, humid summers. This contrast is due to the enormous length of the territory, almost 4500 km from north to south and 3000 km from west to east, as well as the convergence of continental and sea air of temperate latitudes.
The mountainous terrain, the cold Sea of Okhotsk, and the Liman Current along the coast of the Sea of Japan have a significant impact on the climate.
Flora and fauna of the Russian Far East are unique. The region is home to rare species of animals and fish. The most famous inhabitants of the area are walruses, polar and brown bears, Amur tigers and leopards, polar geese and white-naped cranes.
Fifty state nature and wildlife reserves and national parks are spread across the region. Endangered species repopulated the area through numerous programs.
The Far East is rich in natural resources. The macro-region extracts 98% of Russian diamonds, 80% of stannary, 90% of borax materials, 50% of gold, 14% of tungsten, and 40% of fish and seafood. About 1/3 of all coal reserves and hydro-engineering resources of the country are here. Forests of the region comprise about 30% of the total forest area of Russia.
