Tuva
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| Tuva | |
|---|---|
| Name | Tuva |
| Native name | Тыва Республика |
| Settlement type | Republic |
| Coordinates | 51, 47, N, 94... |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | Russia |
| Established title | Part of Russian Empire |
| Established date | 1914 |
| Established title2 | Tuvan People's Republic |
| Established date2 | 1921–1944 |
| Established title3 | Annexed by the Soviet Union |
| Established date3 | 1944 |
| Seat type | Capital |
| Seat | Kyzyl |
| Leader title | Head |
| Leader name | Vladislav Khovalyg |
| Area total km2 | 170,500 |
| Population total | 336,651 |
| Population footnotes | 2021 Census |
| Population density km2 | auto |
Tuva. Officially the Republic of Tuva, it is a federal subject of Russia situated in southern Siberia. Its capital and largest city is Kyzyl, located near the geographic center of Asia. The region is renowned for its unique throat singing tradition and its historical status as the independent Tuvan People's Republic.
Geography
Tuva is a mountainous region located at the headwaters of the Yenisey River basin, bordered by the Altai Mountains to the west and the Sayan Mountains to the east. It shares international borders with Mongolia to the south. Key geographical features include the Ubsunur Hollow, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its diverse ecosystems spanning steppes and deserts, and the massive Sayan Reservoir. The region's terrain is largely defined by intermontane basins, such as the Todzha Basin, and numerous rivers including the Biy-Khem and Kaa-Khem which form the Great Yenisey.
History
Historically part of the Xiongnu, First Turkic Khaganate, and Uyghur Khaganate realms, the area later came under the influence of the Mongol Empire and the Northern Yuan dynasty. It was ruled by the Qing dynasty until the early 20th century, becoming the Uriankhai protectorate. Following the Xinhai Revolution, the region, then known as Tannu Uriankhai, was proclaimed a protectorate of the Russian Empire in 1914. After the Russian Revolution, the Tuvan People's Republic was established in 1921 with support from the Red Army and Mongolian People's Republic. Notable leaders included Mongush Buyan-Badyrgy and the pro-Soviet Salchak Toka. It was annexed by the Soviet Union in 1944, becoming an autonomous oblast and later an ASSR within the Russian SFSR.
Demographics
According to the 2021 Russian census, the population is approximately 336,651. Ethnic Tuvans, a Turkic people, constitute a significant majority, with a minority Russian population primarily concentrated in Kyzyl. Other groups include small communities of Khakas and Mongols. The predominant religions are Tibetan Buddhism, historically influenced by the Jebtsundamba Khutuktu and the Dalai Lama, and Tengrism, with shamanistic practices remaining vital. The official languages are Tuvan and Russian.
Culture
Tuva is globally famous for its musical heritage, particularly Khöömei, or Tuvan throat singing, where vocalists produce multiple pitches simultaneously; renowned ensembles include Huun-Huur-Tu and the late master Kongar-ool Ondar. The National Museum of the Republic of Tuva in Kyzyl houses important artifacts, including the Arzhaan-2 Scythian burial finds. Traditional culture revolves around nomadic pastoralism, with sports like Khuresh wrestling and horse racing being central to the annual Naadym festival. The region's distinct cultural identity was notably documented by the Soviet ethnographer Sevyan Vainshtein.
Economy
The economy remains largely underdeveloped, with a high reliance on agriculture, specifically animal husbandry focusing on sheep, goats, and yaks. Mining is a significant sector, with deposits of coal, cobalt, and gold; the Tuvakobalt enterprise is a key operator. The energy sector is anchored by the Sayano-Shushenskaya Dam on the Yenisey River. Due to its remote location and limited infrastructure, including the Ulan-Ude-Kyzyl railway, transportation and industrial development are challenges. The economy receives substantial subsidies from the federal government in Moscow.
Government and politics
As a republic within the Russian Federation, Tuva's government operates under its own constitution. The head of the republic is Vladislav Khovalyg. The regional legislature is the Great Khural of Tuva. The republic sends representatives to the Federation Council and the State Duma. The dominant political force is the United Russia party. Key political figures in its post-Soviet history have included Sherig-ool Oorzhak and Kara-ool Sholban. Security and border affairs are coordinated with the Federal Security Service due to the frontier with Mongolia.