Sakha Republic

Sakha Republic (also Yakutia), 3,103,200 km², the largest republic of the Russian Federation. Its capital is Yakutsk. The population of Sakha is about 1 million, representing over 80 nationalities. Russians are the largest group, making up approximately half the population, followed by indigenous Sakha-Yakutsk who constitute 33,4% of the population. Russian is the official language used in the republic. The Yakut language is part of the Turkik language group. It is the second language in the republic. The Sakha Republic is famous for its raw materials. The soil contains large reserves of oil, gas, coal, diamonds, gold and silver. Industry generates 43% of the gross national product stemming primarily from mineral exploitation. The indigenous peoples are well-known as hunters, fishermen and reindeer herders.