From the history of the Trans-Baikal Territory
The development of Transbaikalia began in the middle of the 7th century. Not far from the confluence of the Ingoda and Chita rivers, a Cossack detachment founded the first fortifications. Soon there arose the whole system forts, the Cossacks gained a foothold not only in the valleys of the Selenga, Ingoda, Shilka, but also on the right bank of the Amur and Argun. The extreme southeastern outpost of the new Cossack settlements became the Argun fort. Thus, Transbaikalia turned out to be a territory Russian politics, which was extremely disliked by neighboring China, which had its own views on the lands of Dauria - as Transbaikalia and the Amur region were collectively called at that time.
In the 1680s, a 12,000-strong Chinese army went to war against Dauria, planning to completely annex it to their territory. But as a result of the signing of the Treaty of Nerchinsk in August 1689, the Chinese had to be content only with the right bank of the Argun River. I walked right along it new frontier, and all Russian buildings from the right bank were moved to the left. Further formation of the Transbaikalia border took place in the 18th century, when China began to lay claim to the lands of all of Southern Siberia.
In 1727, the Treaty of Burin was concluded, according to which the border between Russia and China extended from the Abagaytu hill to the Shamin-Dabaga pass in Altai. Under Catherine II, Transbaikalia became part of the Irkutsk governorship. The Transbaikal region on the territory of the Irkutsk province was formed in 1851 by decree of Emperor Nicholas I. By the same decree, Chita was given the status of a city. Later, the transfer of the borders of the present Transbaikalia occurred several more times - in connection with the division of this territory into different districts and regions and their unification into new municipal units. 
In the 19th century, the first gold-bearing placers were discovered in Transbaikalia, which gave rise to industrial gold mining. Among the attractions of Transbaikalia are many nature reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, thermal springs, picturesque lakes, mountain peaks and caves, as well as historical and architectural sites. For example, the Archangel Michael Church in Chita is a monument of wooden architecture of the 18th century. Now the “Church of the Decembrists” museum is opened in its building, where their documents, books, and personal belongings are stored. Also interesting are the Konduisky town - a monument of the Mongol period of Transbaikalia; Mount Alkhanay - one of the five sacred peaks of northern Buddhism; natural biosphere reserve "Daursky" with bitterly salty Torey lakes - the remnants of the Protorey Sea.
In the vicinity of the village of Kyra, sites of ancient Stone Age people with the first forges have been preserved. Another “attraction” of the region that tourists strive to bring home is local honey. Beekeeper's Day of the Trans-Baikal Territory, celebrated annually on August 14, is a national holiday here. City Day in Chita is celebrated on the last Sunday of May.
Geography and climatic conditions 
Located in Eastern Transbaikalia. It borders with the Buryat and Yakut republics, Irkutsk and Amur regions, Mongolia and China. The Trans-Baikal Territory extends about a thousand kilometers from north to south and 800-1500 kilometers from west to east. The main rivers are the Baikal, Lena and Amur basins.
A significant part of Transbaikalia belongs to the taiga zone, bordering in the south with forest-steppes and dry steppes. The mountain-basin relief causes the interweaving of horizontal zoning and high-mountain zonality of landscapes. The lowlands and plains of southeastern Transbaikalia and part of the basins are occupied by cereal-forb steppes. The outskirts of intermountain basins and Bottom part mountain slopes up to 1200 m are covered with mountain forest-steppe (birch, larch and aspen forests interspersed with areas of steppes), from 1200 to 1900 m there is mountain taiga with a predominance of Daurian larch. Siberian cedar is found, above 1600 m thickets of dwarf cedar and lichen tundra begin; in the southern part of Transbaikalia there are larch-birch and pine forests.
The climate of Transbaikalia is harsh, sharply continental. Already in October, elevated temperatures are established here. Atmosphere pressure. Winter in the intermountain basins is partly cloudy and dry, there is little precipitation, and the duration of sunshine here is longer than in Yalta and Kislovodsk. Even weak winds are rare at this time.
In these conditions earth's surface loses a lot of heat as a result of radiation, which explains temperature inversions and the prevalence of persistent frosts. Average January temperatures vary from -23° in the south of the region to -30 -33° in the north and southeast, and absolute minimums reach -50 -58°. Summer here is warm, sometimes even hot.
The average July temperature in the flat areas in the south of the region is from 19 to 21-22°, but on some days the heat reaches 35-40°. At an altitude of 1500-2000 m, July temperatures are 10-14°, and frosts occur even in July and August.
In the steppe regions of the Transbaikal region, precipitation falls 200-300 mm/year, in the mountain-taiga belt - about 350-450 mm. 60-70% of their annual amount occurs in the warm season, mainly in July and August, when heavy rains occur.
In spring and June, rains are rare, and therefore droughts are observed in the steppe regions. In winter, no more than 5-8% of the annual precipitation falls in intermountain basins; The thickness of the snow cover is not very high even in the mountain taiga, and in some steppe basins Eastern Transbaikalia is only 5-10 cm.
Administrative-territorial structure and population
The population of the Trans-Baikal Territory, according to the preliminary results of the 2010 All-Russian Population Census, as of October 14, 2010 is 1,106.6 thousand people (1,099.4 thousand people according to 2012 data), 0.8% of the Russian population. The population density as of October 14, 2010 was 2.6 people per 1 sq. km (in Russia the population density is 8.4 people per 1 sq. km).
The main settlement zone covers the central, southern and south-eastern parts of the Trans-Baikal Territory. The most densely populated area (9-13 people/km2) is the area along the railway and the valleys of the Ingoda, Shilka and Onon rivers. Some less density population in the Onon-Borzinsky and Aginsky steppes. In the southwest of the region the population is located along the valleys of the Khilok and Chikoy rivers; in the northern regions the population density is low. 
The Trans-Baikal Territory is inhabited by representatives of more than 120 nationalities, incl. Russians, Buryats, Tatars, Ukrainians, Belarusians, etc. Aginsky Buryat Okrug is populated mainly by Buryats (54.9%, average density population - 4.2 people/km2) and Russians (about 40%). In the north, in the Vitim and Olekma basin, live the Evenks and Yakuts.
The Trans-Baikal Territory includes 31 administrative districts, 10 cities, 41 urban-type settlements, 28 towns, 750 rural settlements. The administrative center is the city of Chita, located 6074 km east of Moscow. The Trans-Baikal Territory is part of the eighth time zone, the time difference with Moscow is +6 hours.
Most Big City - regional center Chita (325.3 thousand people). Other cities have a significantly smaller population: Krasnokamensk (55.7 thousand people), Borzya (31.4 thousand people), Petrovsk-Zabaikalsky (18.5 thousand people), Baley (12.5 thousand people). All cities and many urban-type settlements are administrative centers districts. 
Number of municipalities by type:
Municipalities, total - 418
Municipal districts - 31
Urban districts - 4
Settlements - 383
incl. urban - 45, rural - 338
Diversified complex of the regional economy
Among the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, the economy of the Trans-Baikal Territory ranks 51st out of 82 regions. The volume of GRP of the Trans-Baikal Territory in 2011 was estimated to be 187.4 billion rubles, or 104.8% of the 2010 level. In the structure of GRP, the largest share is occupied by transport and communications (over 35%), industry (over 20%), agriculture, hunting and forestry (9%), construction (7%). The economically active population is 541.3 thousand people.
The industry is represented by 1,269 organizations employing 52.2 thousand people or 9.6% of the economically active population of the region.
Volume industrial production for 2011 amounted to 106.3% of the 2010 level. The basic economic activities of industry are mining; production and distribution of electricity, gas and water; in manufacturing industries - metallurgical production, production of machinery and equipment and food production. Their total share in general structure The industrial production of the region is more than 90 percent.
The volume of agricultural products in farms of all categories in 2011 increased by 2.4% compared to 2010.
The unique natural conditions of the region have historically determined the characteristics of the agricultural sector. The main agricultural specialization of the region is livestock farming.
The leading and promising industries are beef cattle breeding, sheep breeding and herd horse breeding. Sheep farming is represented by the breeding of the Trans-Baikal fine-wool breed of sheep. In beef cattle breeding, the gene pool of Hereford, Kalmyk, and Kazakh white-headed cattle breeds has been preserved.
The housing stock of the region in 2011 totaled more than 21.5 million square meters, with an average of 19.5 square meters of housing per resident. In 2011, 277 thousand square meters of total residential space were commissioned.
Investment potential
The basic investment projects that attract the largest share of investments are Southern passage(reconstruction of the section of the Trans-Baikal railway from Karymskaya to Zabaikalsk), investment project “Creation transport infrastructure for the development of mineral resources of the south-east of the Trans-Baikal Territory", implemented with state support at the expense of the Investment Fund of the Russian Federation and with the involvement of funds from OJSC MMC Norilsk Nickel, mining industry. 
Strategically important for improving the economy of the Trans-Baikal Territory is the creation of a mining complex in the north of the region (BAM zone).
Transport infrastructure
The length of public roads with hard surface is 14.65 thousand km. Basic car roads pass in the central and south-eastern regions of the region, providing access to the Trans-Siberian Railway.
Length railways Trans-Baikal Territory is 2.4 thousand km. Railway network represented by the Transbaikal section of the Trans-Siberian Railway and the Baikal-Amur Mainline.
There is an international airport in Chita, and there is also an airport in the village of Chara (Kalarsky district). Cross-polar air routes pass through the territory of the region (over the Arctic Ocean).
Currently, the Chita customs office operates on the territory of the region, subordinate to which there are 12 customs posts. 
The Zabaikalsk railway checkpoint is the largest land checkpoint on the route of cargo traffic from Russia to China and back.
The Zabaikalsk automobile checkpoint serves up to 50 % passage of land cargo and passengers in road traffic between Russia and China.
Natural resources
Trans-Baikal Territory is one of the regions with a fairly high resource potential(mineral resources, water, forest and land).
The depths of the region contain 94% of the explored uranium reserves of the Russian Federation, 36% of fluorspar, 37.2% of zirconium, 23.8% of copper, 30.5% of molybdenum, 22.7% of titanium, 14.4% - silver, 8.5% - lead, 7% - gold, there are also reserves of tungsten, tin, lithium, zinc and iron ores.
On the territory of the Trans-Baikal Territory, 23 industrial coal deposits and several dozen coal occurrences with total reserves of 6.9 billion tons have been identified. The Apsatskoye and Chitkandinskoye coal deposits have high gas content. Total methane reserves in coal seams reach 63-65 billion cubic meters. m.
Significant timber reserves are concentrated in the region (forest area is 30 million hectares).
Flora and fauna of the Transbaikal region
Plants
Due to the diversity of natural conditions, the vegetation of the region has a complex and variegated composition. It represents 3 latitudinal zones: forest (middle and southern taiga), forest-steppe and steppe. Mountainous relief determines the manifestation and vertical zonality with the addition of subalpine (subalpine) and alpine (alpine) vegetation.
The flora of the region includes more than 1,700 higher vascular plants. It includes: boreal Holarctic, Eurasian, South Siberian, Central Asian, East Asian, Manchurian-Daurian species. Valuable medicinal, fodder, food, technical and ornamental plants are widely represented among them. For most of them, with the exception of trees and shrubs, no resources were accounted for, although some of these species are used intensively.
There are significant areas of berry land with productivity (yield) in some areas - blueberries up to 1000 kg/ha (average economic yield - 110 kg/ha), lingonberries - up to 625 kg/ha (average economic yield 137 kg/ha).
36 types are prepared medicinal plants, most of all - leaves and shoots of lingonberries, wild rosemary, thyme, or thyme, as well as the fruits of hawthorn and bird cherry, and bergenia roots.
The volume of procurement of other species is much smaller, but among them there are rare and relatively rare species - Ural licorice, pink radiola, milky-flowering peony, as well as species that are unique to the Trans-Baikal region, the reserves of raw materials of which are concentrated only here: Pallas or Fischer's euphorbia, skullcap Baikal, Astragalus membranaceus.
Animals 
The fauna includes more than 500 species of vertebrate animals, including more than 80 species of mammals (3 species are acclimatized: muskrat, brown hare and American mink), more than 330 species of birds, 5 species of amphibians and 6 species of reptiles.
The degree of knowledge of the fauna of the region remains low. For most of the territory, the complete species composition of mammals and birds is still unknown, not to mention invertebrates, many of which have not yet been recorded. The situation is no better with regard to the study of the valuable mass fur-bearing and ungulate animals that form the basis of hunting.
Some vertebrates belong to the category of rare and endangered animals. The most vulnerable and poorly studied in the region include: bighorn sheep, gazelle, otter, manul, weasel, brown hare, tarbagan, black-capped marmot, Manchurian and Daurian zokor, Daurian hedgehog.
Various commercial structures are being formed aimed at the predatory use of wild resources. This is accompanied by an increase in the volume of poaching, illegal purchasing and extraction of medicinal and technical raw materials of animal origin (musk deer, deer antlers, antlers, bear bile, etc.).
The ichthyofauna of the Amur is represented by 23-28 species of fish. Nowadays, the catches rarely include guar, Amur catfish, carp, and very rarely - lenok, taimen and grayling. The endemics of the Amur basin - kaluga, Amur sturgeon and whitefish - have practically disappeared from the ichthyofauna. Compared to the Middle and Lower Amur, the ichthyofauna of the upper reaches is 3-4 times poorer.
The background fish species in Ingoda, Shilka, Onon and Arguni are taimen, lenok, and grayling. However, only in the upper reaches of the Ingoda are they numerous and their share reaches 30-40% of the catches. Downstream the river. Ingoda experiences significant anthropogenic pressure, especially in the Chita region.
The fish productivity of the rivers of the Amur basin is approximately 12-55 kg/ha, the average for the Shilka is 27.3, and for the tributaries (below the city of Sretensk) is 31.4 kg/ha.
The ichthyocenoses of the Khilok and Chikoy rivers (the basin of Lake Baikal) with their tributaries are poorly studied; knowledge about them is fragmentary. River watercourses belong to the mountain and foothill types and are characterized by rather poor and homogeneous composition ichthyofauna (5-15 species), dominated by salmon, grayling and carp.
A feature of the mountain ichthyocenosis of the Chikoy River is a very large proportion of salmon and grayling (84%).
Black Baikal grayling is found in mountain streams, Baikal whitefish and perch - in foothill streams. The ichthyomass of the main commercial fish species ranges from 16.6 to 21.9 kg/ha.
The rivers of the Lena basin (Vitim, Olekma, etc.) are the least studied in terms of fisheries.
In connection with the construction of the BAM, more attention was paid to the rivers of promising development areas, in particular the Chara River. It and its tributaries are typical grayling-roller waters and act as spawning and feeding reservoirs. Common species are grayling, valek and lenok. The river's fish productivity is 5-7 kg/ha.
Fabulous, unreal, whimsical, striking in their beauty - each of them is like a work of art brought to reality.
The beautiful is nearby. Journalist of the newspaper "Zabaikalsky Rabochiy" we bring to your attention a selection of the most beautiful places Transbaikalia, where it is worth visiting.
At any time of the year, the forests of Transbaikalia are a work of art of Nature. In our region there are both pine forests and mixed forests, where you can find larches, aspens, birches and shrubs, and at the end of March - snowdrops covering our fields with a blue carpet. However, our forest becomes truly beautiful at the end of April - beginning of May, when the Daurian rhododendron, or wild rosemary, as the residents of the region affectionately call the shrub, blooms everywhere like a pink fire. It is listed in the Red Book and is rightfully considered one of the wonders of Transbaikalia.
It is worth special attention. Each lake has a unique, special beauty and charm in its own way, so we recommend visiting each of them.
Arakhlei is the most big lake The Ivano-Arakhlei system of lakes, characterized by its greatest depth - in some places it reaches 20 meters. The bottom and beach of the lake are sandy, and in summer the shores of Arakhlei are a real sell-out. In the lake you can find perches, pikes and chebaks, which makes the lake a favorite place for fishermen. And in general, having been there at least once, you want to return there again and again. And what sunsets are there...
Lake Shakshinskoye, or Shaksha
The second largest lake in the Ivano-Arakhlei system after Arakhlei, with sandy shores and well-warmed water. The waters of Shakshi are inhabited by roach, perch, dace, pike, crucian carp, peled, bream, carp and catfish. Thanks to the abundance of fish and warm water in summer the lake welcomes guests all year round, allowing us to admire its unique beauty.
Another lake of this system. Of all the names of lakes in the Trans-Baikal Territory, the most remarkable is the origin of the lake with the completely Russian name Ivan. According to legend, in order to deceive the evil spirits who were taking children’s lives, parents tried to choose names for them that were unusual and unusual for Buryats. And so, near one of the lakes lived the Buryats Munko Udoev, whose children often died. Trying to preserve his offspring, the father named his next son Ivan. Tradition says that just at that time a disgraced priest named Ivan was wandering near the lake. Munco's son grew up and was more successful than his father, raising ten sons. The children grew up and began to live around the lake, which people called Ivan-Nuur, that is, Ivan Lake.
On the territory of the Trans-Baikal Territory there is a unique national park, which is a monument cultural heritage and home to endemic plant and animal species. On the territory of this park you can find more than 120 species of various animals, some of which are listed in the Red Book - such as the black stork, bustard and golden eagle. The complex includes more than 20 cultural sites, among which the most famous and revered are Maanin Shuluun (a stone stele with a carved Tibetan mantra text), Dimchig Sume (Temple of God Dimchig - the owner of the mountain), Nara Khazhad (Heavenly Musician), Uuden Sume (Gate Temple), Dorje Pagmyn Sume (Temple of the Diamond Queens - the wife of the owner of the mountain), “Gap of Sinners”, Ekhyn Umai (Mother’s Womb), Zurkhen Shuluun (Stone Heart), Khoreo Shuluun (Stone Fence) and many others. One of the most important natural and religious objects is the peak of Alkhanay. The walking route throughout the park takes about 5 days. Waters from springs - arshans are considered holy and are used in medicinal purposes, there are also hospitals in the park.
, surrounded by pine forests, located at an altitude of 966 meters above sea level, characterized by magnificent scenery. The waters of the lake have healing properties - potassium was found in their composition, silicic acid, bromine, fluorine, lithium and others were identified active elements. Work carried out by Chita doctors has shown that the waters and mud of Arey have an excellent therapeutic effect and are indicated for the treatment of dermatitis and trophic ulcers. Currently, the mud is used by the Molokovka sanatorium.
5. Karpovskie rapids, upper reaches of the river. Karpovka
Stunning stone rapids and foaming ice water reminiscent of milk - you can see this miracle with your own eyes by visiting the Karpovsky rapids. The waters of the Karpovka River have a constant temperature of -2 degrees Celsius and do not warm up even in summer.
One of the many rivers of Transbaikalia, cutting through the Chersky ridge, with a rapid current and cold water, in which you can find grayling jumping on the rapids. In the upper reaches of Nikishikha there is a zoological reserve, and where the river passes through the ridge, a climbing wall was recently built, where you can go with your family and, under the guidance of experienced instructors, conquer the rocks of the ridge.
Archaeological site of the Transbaikal region from the early Paleozoic era. Local historians claim that this place owes its name to an unlucky officer named Sukhotin, who was brought to the top of the formidable rocks by alcohol and unhappy love. He threw himself down and crashed on the rocks that Ingoda was sharpening day and night, and the group of rocks and the area of forest around were named Sukhotino. In order to visit there, just take a minibus to the Klyuchi plant and climb up the slope along the river. All beauty is at the cliff. The rocks are piled above Ingoda to a height of 100 meters, and sitting on the top you can observe the slow and measured flow of the river, hear its quiet distant splash, enjoy the view of the hills and breathe the purest air.
The widest, full-flowing river flowing in the Chita region. It is a pleasure to observe its changeable character - in some places it demonstrates a stormy temperament, quickly running down the rifts, and in other places it slowly and calmly carries its waters on a mirror-like surface so that the current is almost imperceptible. Ingoda is beautiful at any time of the year, in the photo she is captured in the calm of winter, sleeping under a thick cover of an ice blanket.
Distinctive features. Trans-Baikal Territory is the youngest region of Russia. It was created in 2007 by merging the Chita region and the Aginsky Buryat region Autonomous Okrug. At the same time, this is one of the most problematic regions of the Russian Federation. There is a high unemployment rate, the highest crime rate, and relatively low wages.
To some extent, these shortcomings are compensated by the nature of the Trans-Baikal region and its wealth - forests, waters, minerals. In the Trans-Baikal Territory there is the largest copper deposit in the country - Udokan, as well as the largest uranium deposit in Krasnokamensk. In addition to copper and uranium, there are large deposits of silver, gold, molybdenum, tin, tantalum, and polymetallic ores. Also in the Trans-Baikal Territory there are rich reserves of forests, chernozem soils, and huge untapped reserves of hydro resources. However, the Trans-Baikal Territory is a very poor region, where industry is already on its last legs.
Krasnokamensk Photo by nikolay-zhukov2012 (http://fotki.yandex.ru/users/nikolay-zhukov2012/)
The development of the territories of the Trans-Baikal Territory by Russian pioneers began in mid-17th century century. Fortresses appeared here, and after a while - mines. But since there was no one to work in the mines, these lands became a place of exile and hard labor. After December uprising In 1825, many Decembrists were exiled here, to Nerchinsk. Perhaps the Trans-Baikal Territory owes its development to the Decembrists.
Monument to the Decembrists in Chita. Photo by mr.Vlad (http://fotki.yandex.ru/users/vladport/)
Geographical location. Trans-Baikal Territory is located in the south Eastern Siberia and, as its name suggests, beyond Lake Baikal. The neighbors of the region are: the Republic of Buryatia - in the west, the Republic of Yakutia and the Irkutsk region - in the north, in the east - Amur region. Along the southern borders of the Trans-Baikal Territory passes state border with China and Mongolia. Trans-Baikal Territory is part of the Siberian Federal District.
Transbaikal region is different mountainous terrain. There are many ridges and depressions here. The highest points are about 3 km above sea level. There is also a unique place here - Mount Pallas, the watershed point of the basins of the three great rivers of Eurasia - the Yenisei, Lena and Amur.
Population. As of the beginning of 2013, 1,090,419 people live in the Trans-Baikal Territory. Two thirds of them live in cities. Northern regions the edges are the least populated.
What can be noted as positive in the demographic statistics of the Trans-Baikal Territory is the excess of the birth rate over the death rate (+3.1 people per 1000 inhabitants). However, the population of the region is declining every year. People are fleeing from here, fleeing devastation and lack of prospects.
In terms of ethnic composition, the Russian population predominates in the region (90%). In second place are the Buryats (6%). The Tungus-Evenks also live here among the indigenous population, but there are very few of them.
Crime. Trans-Baikal Territory is the most criminal region of Russia (first place in the ranking of regions in terms of the number of crimes committed). Thus, in the first half of 2011, the crime rate in the Trans-Baikal Territory was 14.67 crimes per 1000 inhabitants. The reasons are obvious - unemployment, drunkenness, lack of prospects.
In addition, the most important transport routes pass through the Trans-Baikal region, the infrastructure of which is of interest to mafia structures. Gold and silver mining in the region also stimulates an increase in crime. Theft flourishes here - of government and private property, including by senior officials.
Unemployment rate in the Trans-Baikal Territory is also one of the highest in Russia - 10.59% (74th place). Indeed, there is very little work here. There is practically no industry, many enterprises are closed. Only mining and agriculture are developed. Average wage in the Trans-Baikal Territory only 24,119 rubles, which is not so much compared to other regions of Siberia and Far East. However, there are many industries where the average monthly income exceeds the mark of 30 thousand rubles. These are mining (both fuel and other), transport, financial activities, Scientific research and some others.
Property value. In the Trans-Baikal Territory, prices for one-room apartments start from 1.5 million rubles, and two-room apartments are offered from 2 million rubles. and higher. In general, real estate is not very expensive, but taking into account the low incomes of the population and other economic problems, from local residents Not everyone can afford this.
Climate Trans-Baikal Territory is sharply continental. The geographical features of the region also leave an imprint on its climate. The distance from the sea coast leads to a lack of precipitation. On the other hand, this leads to a large number of sunny hours per year - 2797 (more than in Sochi). The coldest month is January with an average temperature of −19°C. It's quite cold here in summer. The average temperature in July is +13°C. The average annual precipitation is 450 mm. At the same time, in the south they fall less, in the north - more.
Cities of Trans-Baikal Territory
Uranium quarry in Krasnokamensk. Photo by Leonid Kazarin (http://svatoff.livejournal.com/)
Borzya(30,308 people) - This city was founded in 1899 in the center of an agricultural region. 24 km from it there is the unique Borzinskoe salt lake, where for a long time there was a salt trade. Also not far from Borzi is the Daursky Nature Reserve, which is a UNESCO biosphere reserve. The city's economy is based on Food Industry, plus nearby is the Kharanorsky open-pit mine, where brown coal is mined.
Aginskoe- village, former center Aginsko-Buryat Autonomous Okrug. Founded by Buryat settlers in 1811. Today it is the center of Buryat culture. It has its own datsan (monastery), St. Nicholas Christian Church, and many monuments. The economy is based on agriculture, mainly cattle breeding. In the early 90s, a serious economic recession began. It was possible to stop it through the development of processing industries and mining in the region.
Nerchinsk- an ancient city founded by the Cossacks of Beketov, like Chita, in 1653. It was here that the Decembrists served their exile. Since ancient times, the economy of Nerchinsk has been associated with the development of mines. Now the importance of this city has noticeably decreased. Only the monument to the Decembrists and the Butin Palace remind of its former greatness.
The founding date of Chita is considered to be 1699. However, already half a century before this, these places could have been developed, as a number of historians and archaeologists believe. So, in 1653, a reconnaissance expedition of the boyar’s son P. Beketov stopped here for the winter. However, the first settlement, where people came not only for the winter, arose later, in the second half of the 17th century. At this time, a fort was built here, to which in 1706 the name Chitinsky was finally assigned.
For the first few decades of its existence, Chita was a small settlement: mid-18th century century its population was only 100 people. The stockade was created as a place for collecting taxes; it also housed a customs office. At that time, Pyotr Tutilov, who ran the fort, was subordinate to 36 Cossacks.
Despite the fact that Chita was called a fort, this designation was rather formal. The settlement never had any defensive ditches, fortifications, or towers. In 1722 Chita became one of the cities where exiled prisoners passed through. Taverns, a prison, and a hotel were built in the prison. Somewhat later, after the emergence of the Siberian Highway, a postal station appeared in Chita.
In the 90s years XVIII century the fort was classified as rural settlements and assigned to the Gorodishchenskaya volost. Peasants from all over Siberia began to settle around Chita and received land here. They not only plowed their plots and raised livestock, but also built roads, erected bridges, and extracted furs. In 1823, the Chita volost was formed.
In the 30s years XIX century, the Decembrists settled in Chita, to accommodate whom the Great Casemate was built. The population doubles: not only exiles arrive, but also soldiers, security officers, and Cossacks. The Decembrists had a great influence on the improvement of Chita: they not only built houses and filled in ravines, but also created topographic plan settlements.
In 1851, the Chita settlement grew to such a size that it became possible to upgrade its status to a regional city. In addition, it became the central settlement of the newly formed Transbaikal region. Many are located here government agencies Zabaikalsky Cossack army. By this time, Chita already consisted of more than 150 houses, 20 shops and a church, the number of citizens was approaching 1000.
In 1897, an important trade route, the Trans-Siberian Railway, was built, and three years later the first train arrived. The once small settlement becomes large transport interchange Transbaikalia. By 1900, the population had grown significantly: there were slightly less than 1,000 houses, about 10 churches, cathedrals and chapels, a synagogue, and various educational institutions. The first industries were opened, including the construction of an iron foundry and brewery, pottery, sewing and mechanical workshops. Soon the Amur branch of the Russian Geographical Society was formed. In terms of trade, Chita also began to play important role: the largest fairs in Transbaikalia took place here, and trade relations developed rapidly.
Chita turned out to be one of the few Siberian cities that responded to the First Russian Revolution. Almost immediately the Chita Republic was established here. The local committee of the RSDLP introduced, first of all, work regulations and approved an eight-hour working day. Replication was organized political newspapers socialist orientation. A year later, government troops regained control of the city. In 1918, as a result of the October Revolution, Soviet power was finally established.
Throughout the 20th century, the administrative position of Chita changed several times. Consistently it became the main city Far Eastern Republic, Transbaikal province, Chita region. Today Chita is the center of the Trans-Baikal Territory - a corresponding resolution was adopted in 2008.
Trans-Baikal Territory is a region of Eastern Siberia, which is famous not only for its unique natural phenomena, but also a hospitable population. A huge number of tourists come here every year to see the Chara Sands with their own eyes and improve their health in one of the many resorts. Medicinal mineral water Transbaikalia will help cope with any disease.
How did the region appear?
Trans-Baikal Territory can be called a relatively young region. The first people appeared here no more than 35 thousand years ago. The first settlements were discovered near the current capital.
The formation of the Trans-Baikal Territory began with the unification of the Buryat Autonomous Okrug in 2007. The heads of local government sent an official letter to the President of the Russian Federation. The official date of creation of the region is March 11, 2007. On this day a referendum was held. The people had to express their opinion regarding the merger of several administrative units in Transbaikal region. The capital of the region was chosen a little later.
Today Transbaikalia is a fairly large region inhabited by people of various nationalities. According to the latest population census, the total population of the Trans-Baikal Territory is 1,087,479 people. The most populated is central part region. But in the northern part the population is quite weak.
Chita
Several regions are united into the Trans-Baikal Territory. They have the same capital. The city of Chita with a population of more than 300 thousand people was chosen as the center of the region. The settlement got its name from the river that flows nearby. Chita is still the real pride of Transbaikalia today.
The capital has a sharply continental climate with a characteristic temperature conditions. IN winter period average temperature here it is about 25 degrees Celsius below zero. Summers are warm and humid. Temperatures rarely rise above 20 degrees Celsius. The warmest period in Chita lasts only 77 days.
The capital is located in the Irkutsk time zone. The offset relative to Moscow time is 5 hours.
The government of the Trans-Baikal Territory is located in Chita. And local government is represented by the City District Duma, as well as the local city administration. The head of the administration is the mayor, who is elected by the population.
Chita is not just the center of Transbaikalia, but a real cultural capital. There are a huge number of museums and theaters here. A visitor can get great pleasure walking along the streets. The ancient architecture of the city is impressive. And in spring and summer, Chita hosts many festivals that attract tourists not only from Russia, but also from other neighboring countries.
Government of the Trans-Baikal Territory
The highest official of the region is the Governor, who is elected for a term of 5 years. Only the Legislative Assembly, consisting of 50 deputies, can appoint the head. Elections of members of the representative body also occur every five years. Executive body power is the Government of the Trans-Baikal Territory, headed by the governor.
The first Governor of Transbaikalia was elected only on February 5, 2008. He became Ravil Geniatulin. A little later, elections of deputies to the representative body of power took place. Part of the members Legislative Assembly were chosen from party lists. Some deputies were able to get into the government through single-mandate constituencies.
The laws of the Trans-Baikal Territory appear thanks to representative body authorities. If most of deputies vote for this or that project, it is submitted to the governor for signature. The law comes into force only when it is approved by the highest official in the region.
Districts of the Trans-Baikal Territory
The Trans-Baikal Territory includes 31 districts. These include 10 cities, 41 and 750 rural settlements. This administrative-territorial division explains the main employment of the population. Most residents of Transbaikalia live in villages. Farmers thanks to good black soil and clean air have a good income.
The biggest locality in the region is Chita. The second place is occupied by the city of Krasnokamensk. About 50 thousand people live here. The population in most cities and towns does not exceed 20 thousand people.
Development of the region
Like the rest of Russia, the Trans-Baikal Territory has good economic indicators. A huge amount of black soil makes it possible to develop agriculture well. Most of the products consumed by the local population are produced in Transbaikalia.
Thanks to a significant number of rivers and lakes, the region has enormous hydropower potential. But, unfortunately, very little work has been done in this area to date. Much emphasis is placed on other areas of the economy. The excellent development of the Trans-Baikal Territory is due to large reserves of valuable precious metals, copper, tin, molybdenum, polymetallic ores. The main base of the Russian nuclear industry is also located in the Trans-Baikal Territory.
The development of the region is also characterized by a good educational base. Zabaikalsk (Transbaikal region) is famous for its three highest educational institutions. More than 7,000 students can study here at the same time. This is the pride of not only the region, but the entire Russian Federation. After all, university graduates actually receive quality education thanks to the good teaching staff. Much attention is paid to the sports development of youth.
Healthcare in the region
Today in Transbaikalia there are more than 120 medical institutions. Patients are assisted by qualified doctors with the highest medical education. In this regard, the Transbaikal region can be called quite developed. The capital of the region is famous educational institutions, where cancer is successfully treated.
IN rural areas Help is provided to people in paramedic and obstetric centers. Here they deliver babies and make appointments for the treatment of simple diseases. IN difficult cases the patient is sent to the regional center or the capital.
Religion
In terms of religion, the Transbaikal region can be called quite diverse. Today there are still traditional beliefs ancient peoples - shamanism, totemism and fetishism. Some practice Islam and Judaism.
With the advent of the Russian-speaking population on the territory of modern Transbaikalia in the 17th century, Orthodoxy came here. The first Church of the Resurrection was built in 1670. It has survived to this day.
Nature in Transbaikalia
The region's topography consists of both mountains and plains. In the northern part of the Trans-Baikal Territory there are many mountains, but in the south the steppe predominates. Forests predominate in mountainous areas. The Department of the Trans-Baikal Territory reports that in 2006 the total forest area was more than 34 thousand hectares. This is 67% of total area the entire region. Thanks to the forests, the air in Transbaikalia is clean and fresh. Many resort areas are located in pine forests.
Transbaikalia is also famous for its water resources. The largest rivers include the Shilka, Onon, Khilok, and Argun. But the largest groups of lakes include Torey and Kuando-Chara.
The good ones contribute high level economy of the Transbaikal region. The region contains concentrated reserves of silver and copper in large quantities. More than 2% of all-Russian reserves hard coals also concentrated in Transbaikalia.
Tourism in the Trans-Baikal Territory
The entire region is divided into several tourist areas. The South-West is considered the most popular among visitors. It attracts a lot of attention from tourists. Entire hikes with overnight stays in the open air are organized here. IN summer time During the year, tourists travel by kayaks, and in winter - on skis. The mountainous terrain also attracts many people. But only experienced tourists can afford to climb the hill.
The South-East attracts much less sports tourists. Despite this, there are many natural and cultural attractions here. What are they worth? national culture- Aginsky datsan, Tsugolsky datsan. In Alkhanaisky national park every tourist will be able to relax body and soul. There are many monuments here that will tell you about the history and culture of Transbaikalia.
The Transbaikal region is famous for its beautiful architecture. The capital shows the contrast between ancient times and modern times. Next to ancient buildings There are modern buildings and cottages.
The north of Transbaikalia attracts tourists with its mountainous terrain. Climbing to the highest point of Transbaikalia - Peak Bam - is organized. The ridge is characterized by difficult passes and turbulent rivers. Therefore, it is not recommended to go here on your own.
Attractions
They are extremely popular in the region. Every year, many tourists come to the Sokhondninsky and Daursky nature reserves. There are such attractions as the Charsky Sands tract, Lamsky town, and the Polosatik rock.
Buddhist centers are of great interest to tourists. Their age exceeds 200 years. It is here that the oldest architectural monuments Buryat people. It will be interesting for tourists to look at the building of the Tsokchen-dugan cathedral temple, as well as numerous incense burners. Tourists have vivid impressions after attending a service in the temple.