| Adygea | |
 | |
Location  | |
Coat of arms and flag   | |
| State | Russia |
|---|---|
| Region | Southern Russia |
| Capital | Majkop |
| Surface | 7792 km² |
| Inhabitants | 449.160 (2015 census) |
| Institutional website | |
Adygea or Republic of Adygea (in RussianРеспублика Адыгея and in adighè: Адыгэ Республик) is an autonomous republic of Russian Federation
To know
Adygea is an enclave of Krasnodar Krai.
Geographical notes
Adygea lies in the foothills of the Caucasus, with plains to the north and mountains to the south. Forests cover almost 40% of the republic's territory.
Background
The Adygas were the ancient inhabitants of the Northwest Caucasus, sometimes called Circassians from the 13th century onwards. Adygea was founded as an autonomous oblast of the Soviet Union on August 24, 1922. At that time, Krasnodar it was the administrative center. On August 13, 1928, the Autonomous Oblast of Adygea was transferred under the jurisdiction of Krasnodar Krai.Majkop became the administrative center in 1936, when the borders of the oblast were changed. On July 3, 1991, the oblast was elevated to the status of a republic under the jurisdiction of the Russian FederationThe first president of Adygea was Aslan Alievič Džarimov, elected in January 1992.
Spoken languages
- Russian
- adyge - the Adyge language belongs to the northwestern Caucasian group of Caucasian languages. Together with the Russian language it is the official language of Adygea.
Being fluent in speaking adighè is a prerequisite for presidential candidates but - fortunately - it is not for visiting the country even if at least some Russian you will have to speak it as there are very few people who know English.
Territories and tourist destinations
Urban centers
Other destinations
- Caucasus Biosphere Nature Reserve (Кавказский заповедник) - It is the second largest protected area in Europe, the first in the Caucasus. Here you will find some unique fauna and botanical beauties in the world. The reserve is protected by UNESCO.
How to get
On the train
A number of trains (most from Moscow) arrive at Belorechensky station in Krasnodar oblast. From here it is then possible to continue with local trains to Majkop.
Fast local trains also depart from Adler once a day and are very popular with tourists because of the journey, with panoramic sea views, between Sochi is Tuapse. Tickets cost around RUB 700 in first class and RUB 650 in second class.
By bus
Buses arrive in Majkop from the bus station in Krasnodar. A ticket costs an average of RUB 170 for a journey of around 2.5 hours. There are local intercity bus companies from many other cities in the region and even from Moscow. However, it must be said that most of the buses are very old and in poor condition. The lack of air conditioning in the summer is the least a tourist can expect.
How to get around
What see
There are 8 state museums and 23 public museums in the republic.
- 1 National Museum of the Republic of Adygea (Национальный музей Республики Адыгея), Sovetskaya ul., ☎ 07 8772 52-18-93, @[email protected]. The largest museum in the republic, in Majkop, entirely dedicated to the history and culture of the ancient Adyge population.
