Parts of southern Siberia visited by the Bible Society in Russia last August, which are featured in this Special Report (A = Kazakhstan; B = China). See map below for wider orientation.

Siberia at a glance

Geographical and political definition: Siberia, which means ‘Sleeping land’ in Mongolian Altai, is a geographic region in the Russian Federation, stretching from the Urals in the west to the Pacific watershed in the east, and from the Arctic Ocean in the north to the Kazakh steppes and the Mongolian border in the south. Occupying roughly 75 per cent of Russia’s landmass, Siberia is home to less than 20 per cent of the population. In 2000, the Siberian Federal District, which makes up 30 per cent of the Russian Federation, came into existence as one of seven administrative districts.

History: Siberia has had a turbulent history, having been the departure point for empire-building conquests by nomadic people such as the hordes of Genghis Khan, and the Huns and Manchus. Development by Russia began in the late 17th century, when exploitation of Siberia’s natural resources began. For centuries it also served as a place of exile where Russia sent its criminals and political prisoners to work in labour camps.

Economy: Siberia provides much of Russia’s fuel and power resources as well as a significant portion of its mineral and natural wealth, thanks to an intensive program of development during the Soviet era. In fact, by the late 1980s, it had become one of Russia’s most powerful economic regions. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1990, however, and the ensuing long-term economic crisis, growth has been slow and many Siberians face economic hardship.

People: There are about 25 million people in Siberia. The majority are Russians and Ukrainians. About four per cent of the population is made up of members of some 30 ethnic groups indigenous to the region, such as the Tuvins, Nenets and Dolgans.