Altai Republic

{{short description|First-level administrative division of Russia}} {{Other uses of|Altay|Altay (disambiguation){{!}}Altay}} {{Other uses of|Altai}} {{distinguish|text=the neighbouring Russian federal subject of [[Altai Krai]] and the neighbouring Chinese subdivision of [[Altay Prefecture]]}} {{Infobox settlement | name = Altai Republic | native_name = {{native name|alt|Алтай Республика}} {{native name|ru|Республика Алтай}} | subdivision_type = Country | settlement_type = [[Republics of Russia|Republic]] | image_flag = Flag of Altai Republic.svg | image_map = Map of Russia (2014–2022) - Altai Republic (Crimea disputed).svg | subdivision_name = [[Russia]] | coordinates = {{coord|50|51|N|86|54|E|type:adm1st_region:RU|display=inline,title}} | coor_pinpoint = | subdivision_type2 = [[Federal districts of Russia|Federal district]] | subdivision_name2 = [[Siberian Federal District|Siberian]] | subdivision_type3 = [[Economic regions of Russia|Economic region]] | subdivision_name3 = [[West Siberian economic region|West Siberian]] | governing_body = [[State Assembly of the Altai Republic|State Assembly—El Kurultai]]<ref name="HeadLegis" /> | leader_title = [[Head of the Altai Republic|Head]]<ref name="HeadLegis">Constitution, Article 8</ref> | leader_name = [[Andrey Turchak]] | leader_title1 = [[State Duma|Member of the State Duma]] | leader_name1 = [[Roman Ptitsyn]] | leader_title2 = [[Federation Council (Russia)|Senators]] | leader_name2 = [[Amyr Argamakov]] [[Artur Kokhoyev]] | total_type = Total | area_total_sq_mi = | area_total_km2 = 92,903 | population_rank = [[List of federal subjects of Russia by population|81st]] | population_density_km2 = 2.27 | population_as_of = [[Russian Census (2021)|2021 Census]] | population_total = {{increase}} 210924 | population_footnotes = <ref name="2021Census"/> | demographics_type2 = GDP {{nobold|(nominal, 2024)}} | demographics2_footnotes = <ref>{{Cite web |url= https://rosstat.gov.ru/statistics/accounts# |title=Валовой региональный продукт - Врп с 1998-2024 года|website=rosstat.gov.ru}}</ref> | demographics2_title1 = Total | demographics2_info1 = [[Russian ruble|₽]]{{FXConvert|RUS|108|b|lk=on}} | demographics2_title2 = Per capita | demographics2_info2 = ₽{{FXConvert|RUS|514011|lk=on}} | timezone1 = [[Krasnoyarsk Time|MSK+4]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pravo.gov.ru/proxy/ips/?docbody=&prevDoc=102483854&backlink=1&&nd=102148085 |script-title=ru:"Об исчислении времени". Официальный интернет-портал правовой информации |language=ru |access-date=January 19, 2019 }}</ref> | blank_name = [[OKTMO]] ID | blank_info = 84000000 | image_shield = Coat of arms of Altai Republic.svg | iso_code = RU-AL | registration_plate = 04 | utc_offset = +7 | anthem = [[National Anthem of the Altai Republic]]<ref name="Anthem">Law #92</ref> {{center|[[File:Гимн Республики Алтай (2001).ogg]]}} | flag_size = 120px | shield_size = 81px | flag_link = Flag of Altai Republic | shield_link = | seat_type = Capital | seat = [[Gorno-Altaysk]]<ref>[http://eng.altai-republic.ru/modules.php?op=modload&name=Sections&file=index&req=viewarticle&artid=7&page=1 Official website of the Altai Republic] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514090623/http://eng.altai-republic.ru/modules.php?op=modload&name=Sections&file=index&req=viewarticle&artid=7&page=1 |date=May 14, 2011 }}</ref> | population_urban = 31% | population_rural = 69% | blank_name_sec2 = [[Official language]](s) | blank_info_sec2 = {{plainlist| * [[Altai language|Altai]] * [[Russian language|Russian]] (official)<ref name="Russian">Official throughout the Russian Federation according to Article 68.1 of the [[Constitution of Russia]]</ref> * ''[[Kazakh language|Kazakh]]''<ref name="Languages">It is used in official spheres of communication in places where its speakers live compactly (Article 4 of the law "On Languages of Peoples Living in the territory of the Altai Republic").</ref> }} | area_footnotes = <ref name="Area">{{cite web |url=http://perepis2002.ru/ct/html/TOM_01_03.htm |title=Территория, число районов, населённых пунктов и сельских администраций по субъектам Российской Федерации (''Territory, Number of Districts, Inhabited Localities, and Rural Administration by Federal Subjects of the Russian Federation'') |access-date=November 1, 2011 |author=Федеральная служба государственной статистики (Federal State Statistics Service) |date=May 21, 2004 |work=Всероссийская перепись населения 2002 года (All-Russia Population Census of 2002) |publisher=Federal State Statistics Service |language=ru |archive-date=September 28, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928181511/http://perepis2002.ru/ct/html/TOM_01_03.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> | mapsize = 300px | website = {{URL|www.altai-republic.ru}} }} The '''Altai Republic''',{{efn|{{IPAc-en|ˈ|æ|l|t|aɪ}}; {{langx|alt|Алтай Республика|Altay Respublika}};<ref>Name used in internal passports according to law [http://altaj.news-city.info/docs/sistemsd/dok_ieriab.htm ПОСТАНОВЛЕНИЕ Правительства Республики Алтай от 17.07.2001 N 208 "О ТИПОВОМ ОБРАЗЦЕ БЛАНКА-ВКЛАДЫША РЕСПУБЛИКИ АЛТАЙ К БЛАНКУ ПАСПОРТА ГРАЖДАНИНА РОССИЙСКОЙ ФЕДЕРАЦИИ"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140529155932/http://altaj.news-city.info/docs/sistemsd/dok_ieriab.htm |date=2014-05-29 }}</ref> {{langx|ru|Респу́блика Алта́й|Respublika Altay}}, {{IPA|ru|rʲɪˈspublʲɪkə ɐlˈtaj|IPA}}.}} also known as the '''Gorno-Altai Republic''',{{efn|Also colloquially, and primarily referred to in Russian to distinguish from the neighbouring [[Altai Krai]] as '''Gornyi Altai''' ({{langx|ru|Горный Алтай|links=no|Gornyy Altay|lit=the mountainous Altai}}).}} is a [[republics of Russia|republic]] of [[Russia]] located in southern [[Siberia]]. The republic borders [[Kemerovo Oblast]] to the north, [[Khakassia]] to the northeast, [[Tuva]] to the east, [[Altai Krai]] to the west, as well as three countries: [[Mongolia]] ([[Bayan-Ölgii Province|Bayan-Ölgii]]) to the southeast, [[China]] ([[Xinjiang]]) to the south and [[Kazakhstan]] ([[East Kazakhstan Region]]) to the southwest. It is a part of the [[Siberian Federal District]], and covers an area of {{convert|92903|km2|sp=us}}, with a population of 210,924 residents. It is the least-populous republic of Russia and least-populous federal subject in the Siberian Federal District.<ref name="2021Census"/> [[Gorno-Altaysk]] is the capital and the largest town of the republic with 65,342 inhabitants and in urban areas, making it the least urbanized federal subject.

The Altai Republic is one of Russia's [[Ethnic groups in Russia|ethnic]] republics, primarily representing the indigenous [[Altai people]], a [[Turkic people|Turkic]] ethnic group that form 37% of the republic's population, while ethnic [[Russians]] form a majority at 54%. Other minority populations include [[Kazakhs]], other Central Asian ethnicities, and [[History of Germans in Russia, Ukraine and the Soviet Union|Germans]]. The official languages of the Altai Republic are Russian and Altai. Kazakh is official in areas of compact settlement of its speakers.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://base.garant.ru/32100423/1b93c134b90c6071b4dc3f495464b753/ |title=Статья 4. Правовое положение языков {{pipe}} ГАРАНТ |website=base.garant.ru }}</ref>

== History == The [[Xiongnu]] Empire (209 BC – AD 93) governed the territory of the modern Altai Republic. The area was part of the [[First Turkic Khaganate]], the [[Uyghur Empire]], and the [[Yenisei Kyrgyz|Yeniseian Kyrgyzs]]. It was during this time that the local population became fully Turkicized culturally and linguistically.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |title=Encyclopedia of the World's Minorities |publisher=Routledge |year=2005 |isbn=1-57958-468-3 |editor-last=Skutsch |editor-first=Carl |volume=1 |location=New York |page=82 }}</ref>

The southern part of the Altai Republic came under the [[Naimans|Naiman Khanate]]. The territory of the modern Altai Republic has been ruled by the Mongolic [[Xianbei state]] (93–234), [[Rouran Khaganate]] (330–555), [[Mongol Empire]] (1206–1368), [[Golden Horde]] (1240–1502), [[Zunghar Khanate]] (1634–1758) and [[Qing Empire]] (1757–1864).

The Qing period is a semi-autonomous period with the supervision of two Altan Nuur Uriankhai Governor Banners and part of the seven [[Altai Uriankhai]] banners. During the Qing administration, the General of Siberia [[Fedor Ivanovich Soimonov]] launched a non-military expedition into the [[Teletskoye|Altan Nuur]] region in 1760 and began fort building. This was subsequently removed by Heseri Jalafungga of the Qing. Since the 1820s, the routine border check was less frequent and the [[Chuya, Altai (river)|Chuy]] drainage basin has been occupied by Russians.

The entire [[Second Chui Volost|Altan Nuur Uriankhai]] voluntarily became part of the [[Russian Empire]] in 1864-1865 by the [[Treaty of Tarbagatai]].<ref name="Самаев Г. П. «ГОРНЫЙ АЛТАЙ В XVII — СЕРЕДИНЕ XIX В.: ПРОБЛЕМЫ ПОЛИТИЧЕСКОЙ ИСТОРИИ И ПРИСОЕДИНЕНИЯ К РОССИИ». Page 171.">[https://search.rsl.ru/ru/record/01001633611 Самаев Г. П. «ГОРНЫЙ АЛТАЙ В XVII — СЕРЕДИНЕ XIX В.: ПРОБЛЕМЫ ПОЛИТИЧЕСКОЙ ИСТОРИИ И ПРИСОЕДИНЕНИЯ К РОССИИ». Page 171.]</ref> During the [[Russian Civil War]], the [[Karakorum Government|Confederated Republic of Altai]] (Karakorum-Altai Region) was established in 1918, and declared as the first step to rebuilding [[Genghis Khan]]'s Mongol Empire.<ref name="znamenski">{{cite journal |last=Znamenski |first=Andrei |title=Power of Myth: Popular ethnonationalism and Nationality Building in Mountain Altai, 1904–1922 |journal=Acta Slavica Iaponica |date=2005 |volume=22 |pages=44–47 |url=http://src-home.slav.hokudai.ac.jp/publictn/acta/22/znamenski.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190802041142/http://src-h.slav.hokudai.ac.jp/publictn/acta/22/znamenski.pdf |archive-date=August 2, 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref> But it never became a competing force in the Russian Civil War, and stayed neutral from 1918 until January 1920, when it was annexed back into Russia. A second Altai Republic was formed in 1921 and lasted until 1922 when they were annexed by the [[Bolsheviks]].<ref name="znamenski" />

On June 1, 1922, the Altaians regained autonomy with the creation of the [[Oyrot Autonomous Oblast]] ({{lang|ru|Ойро́тская автоно́мная о́бласть}}), part of [[Altai Krai]]. The original name for this region was Bazla. On January 7, 1948, it was renamed [[Gorno-Altai Autonomous Oblast]] ({{lang|ru|Го́рно-Алта́йская автоно́мная о́бласть}}). In 1991 it was reorganized into the [[Gorno-Altai Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic]] (ASSR). In 1992 it was renamed as the Altai Republic.

==Geography== {{See also|Geography of South-Central Siberia}}

The Altai Republic is situated in the [[Altai Mountains]] in the very center of Asia at the junction of the [[Siberia]]n [[taiga]], the [[steppe]]s of [[Kazakhstan]] and the semi-[[desert]]s of [[Mongolia]]. Forests cover about 25% of the republic's territory.

*''Area'': {{cvt|92600|km2}} *''Borders'': **''internal'': [[Kemerovo Oblast]] (N), [[Republic of Khakassia]] (NE), [[Tuva Republic]] (E), and [[Altai Krai]] (W/NW). **''international'': Mongolia ([[Bayan-Ölgii Province]]) (SE), China ([[Altay Prefecture]], Xinjiang) (S), and [[Kazakhstan]] ([[East Kazakhstan Province]]) (S/SW) *''Highest point'': [[Mount Belukha]] (4,506 m) *''Maximum N–S distance'': 360 km *''Maximum E–W distance'': 380 km

===Rivers and lakes=== [[File:Katun.jpg|thumb|The [[Katun River]] in the Altai Republic]]

More than 20,000 tributaries sprawl throughout the mountainous Republic, making for a total of more than {{convert|60000|km|sp=us}} worth of waterways. The republic's largest rivers are the [[Katun River|Katun]] and the [[Biya River|Biya]], both of which originate in the mountains and flow northwards. The junction of the two rivers eventually forms the [[Ob River]], one of the longest rivers in Siberia, which flows northward to the Arctic Ocean.

The source of the black Biya River is [[Lake Teletskoye]], the region's largest lake located in an isolated area far south in the mountains. The emerald-colored Katun River has its source at the Gebler glacier, which is situated on the Republic's highest point, [[Mount Belukha]]. The Katun River, in particular, holds a religious significance for native Altaians, as well as for many Russians who live in the area, as Mount Belukha is known in Altai folklore to be the gateway to the mystical kingdom of [[Shambhala]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.altaiassistanceproject.org/travelenmek.html |title=Wild Sightings in the Altai |author= |website=altaiassistanceproject.org |access-date=August 10, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081121190602/http://www.altaiassistanceproject.org/travelenmek.html |archive-date=November 21, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The hydrographic network of the Republic also includes approximately 7,000 lakes, adding up to a total area of more than {{cvt|700|km2|0}}. The largest lake is Lake Teletskoye, which is {{cvt|80|km|0}} long and {{cvt|5|km|sp=us}} wide, has an area of {{convert|230.8|km2|sp=us}}, and has a maximum depth of {{convert|325|m|sp=us}}. The mountain lakes of Altai contain enormous freshwater reserves of a very pure quality as a result of their distance from civilization.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.engg.ksu.edu/CHSR/international/altai/ |title=Altai Republic, Russia |access-date=December 28, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070101120221/http://www.engg.ksu.edu/CHSR/international/altai/ |archive-date=January 1, 2007 }}</ref> Lake Teletskoye alone contains more than {{convert|40|km3|sp=us}} of very clear water.

Potential groundwater storage is evaluated at {{convert|22|e6m3}} per day, while the present use constitutes about {{cvt|44,000|m3}} per day. [[File:Шавлинские озёра.jpg|thumb|Shavlo Lake in Northern Chuysky Range]] [[File:Г. Белуха.jpg|thumb|[[Belukha Mountain]]]]

===Mountains=== The most striking geographical aspect of the Republic of Altai is its mountainous terrain. The Republic is situated within the Russian part of the [[Altai Mountains]] system, which covers a large part of the Republic and continues into neighboring [[Kazakhstan]], [[Mongolia]] and China. The region continues to experience periodic notable [[seismic]] activity, which is visually made apparent through the mountains' characteristically high and rugged mountain ridges, separated by narrow and deep river valleys. The Republic's highest peak, Mount Belukha (4,506 m), is the highest point in Siberia.

===Natural resources=== Various bodies of water are among the most important natural resources of the Republic. Mineral and hot springs are popular destinations for tourists and locals, sought for their therapeutic effects. Additionally, Altai [[glacier]]s contain a great amount of fresh water. The general volume of ice for registered Altai glaciers comes to a total of 57 km3, 52 km3 of which is water. The total water stock of the glaciers exceeds the average annual effluence of all Altai rivers, which are equal to 43 km3 per year. The largest glaciers are Bolshoy Taldurinsky (35 km2), Mensu (21 km2), Sofiysky (17 km2), and Bolshoy Maashey (16 km2).

Mineral resources in the region primarily include gold, silver, iron ores, and [[lithium]], in addition to other smaller amounts of minerals. The large city of [[Barnaul]] in neighboring [[Altai Krai]] was founded as a processing center for minerals from the Altai region, although the mineral extraction industry today is much smaller than in the past.

===Climate=== The republic has a [[temperate climate|temperate continental climate]] with relatively short and mild summers (June–August); and long, cold, and often quite frosty winters (November–March).

In general, the republic's climate of the southeastern areas, such as the ([[Ulagansky District|Ulagansky]] and [[Kosh-Agachsky District]]s), is harsher than the climate of the less elevated northern areas. *''Average annual temperature'': +1 °C to −6.7 °C. *''January temperature range'': −9.2 °C to −31 °C. *''July temperature range'': +11 °C to +19 °C.  *''Average annual [[precipitation (meteorology)|precipitation]]'': 100–1000 mm.

== Administrative divisions == {{Main|Administrative divisions of the Altai Republic}}

The Altai Republic is administratively divided into ten [[raion|districts]] and [[Gorno-Altaysk]] [[City of federal subject significance|Urban Okrug]]. The districts are further subdivided into ninety-two [[selsovets]].<ref name="OKATO">{{OKATOReference|84}}</ref>

== Demographics == '''Population''': {{ru-census|p2021=210,924|p2010=206,168|p2002=202,947|p1989=191,649}}{{Historical populations|1897|41983|1926|106544|1939|162179|1959|157161|1970|168261|1979|171835|1989|191649|2002|202947|2010|206168|2021|210924|type=|footnote=Source: Census data}}

=== Vital statistics === :Source: [http://www.gks.ru/dbscripts/Cbsd/DBInet.cgi#1 Russian Federal State Statistics Service] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080412011659/http://www.gks.ru/dbscripts/Cbsd/DBInet.cgi#1 |date=April 12, 2008 }}<ref>[http://www.gks.ru/bgd/regl/b12_111/Main.htm БГД] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219075701/http://www.gks.ru/bgd/regl/B12_111/Main.htm |date=February 19, 2018 }}. Gks.ru. Retrieved on August 20, 2013.</ref><ref>[http://www.gks.ru/wps/wcm/connect/rosstat_main/rosstat/ru/statistics/publications/catalog/doc_1137674209312 Каталог публикаций::Федеральная служба государственной статистики] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181224183858/http://www.gks.ru/wps/wcm/connect/rosstat_main/rosstat/ru/statistics/publications/catalog/doc_1137674209312%20 |date=December 24, 2018 }}. Gks.ru (May 8, 2010). Retrieved on August 20, 2013.</ref> {| class="wikitable" |- ! ! style="width:70pt;"|Average population (× 1000) ! style="width:70pt;"|Live births ! style="width:70pt;"|Deaths ! style="width:70pt;"|Natural change ! style="width:70pt;"|Crude birth rate (per 1000) ! style="width:70pt;"|Crude death rate (per 1000) ! style="width:70pt;"|Natural change (per 1000) ! style="width:70pt;"|Fertility rates |- | 1970 | style="text-align:right;"| 168 | style="text-align:right;"| 3,236 | style="text-align:right;"| 1,486 | style="text-align:right;"| 1,750 | style="text-align:right;"| 19.3 | style="text-align:right;"| 8.8 | style="text-align:right;"| 10.4 |- | 1975 | style="text-align:right;"| 170 | style="text-align:right;"| 3,805 | style="text-align:right;"| 1,724 | style="text-align:right;"| 2,081 | style="text-align:right;"| 22.4 | style="text-align:right;"| 10.1 | style="text-align:right;"| 12.2 |- | 1980 | style="text-align:right;"| 175 | style="text-align:right;"| 3,841 | style="text-align:right;"| 2,082 | style="text-align:right;"| 1,759 | style="text-align:right;"| 21.9 | style="text-align:right;"| 11.9 | style="text-align:right;"| 10.1 |- | 1985 | style="text-align:right;"| 185 | style="text-align:right;"| 4,256 | style="text-align:right;"| 2,097 | style="text-align:right;"| 2,159 | style="text-align:right;"| 23.0 | style="text-align:right;"| 11.3 | style="text-align:right;"| 11.7 |- | 1990 | style="text-align:right;"| 194 | style="text-align:right;"| 3,753 | style="text-align:right;"| 2,126 | style="text-align:right;"| 1,627 | style="text-align:right;"| 19.3 | style="text-align:right;"| 10.9 | style="text-align:right;"| 8.4 | style="text-align:right; color:blue;"| 2,52 |- | 1991 | style="text-align:right;"| 196 | style="text-align:right;"| 3,579 | style="text-align:right;"| 2,064 | style="text-align:right;"| 1,515 | style="text-align:right;"| 18.2 | style="text-align:right;"| 10.5 | style="text-align:right;"| 7.7 | style="text-align:right; color:blue;"| 2,41 |- | 1992 | style="text-align:right;"| 197 | style="text-align:right;"| 3,263 | style="text-align:right;"| 2,271 | style="text-align:right;"| 992 | style="text-align:right;"| 16.6 | style="text-align:right;"| 11.5 | style="text-align:right;"| 5.0 | style="text-align:right; color:blue;"| 2,25 |- | 1993 | style="text-align:right;"| 197 | style="text-align:right;"| 2,878 | style="text-align:right;"| 2,630 | style="text-align:right;"| 248 | style="text-align:right;"| 14.6 | style="text-align:right;"| 13.4 | style="text-align:right;"| 1.3 | style="text-align:right;"| 2,00 |- | 1994 | style="text-align:right;"| 198 | style="text-align:right;"| 2,931 | style="text-align:right;"| 2,875 | style="text-align:right;"| 56 | style="text-align:right;"| 14.8 | style="text-align:right;"| 14.5 | style="text-align:right;"| 0.3 | style="text-align:right;"| 2,03 |- | 1995 | style="text-align:right;"| 199 | style="text-align:right;"| 2,853 | style="text-align:right;"| 2,637 | style="text-align:right;"| 216 | style="text-align:right;"| 14.3 | style="text-align:right;"| 13.2 | style="text-align:right;"| 1.1 | style="text-align:right;"| 1,93 |- | 1996 | style="text-align:right;"| 200 | style="text-align:right;"| 2,704 | style="text-align:right;"| 2,567 | style="text-align:right;"| 137 | style="text-align:right;"| 13.5 | style="text-align:right;"| 12.8 | style="text-align:right;"| 0.7 | style="text-align:right;"| 1,80 |- | 1997 | style="text-align:right;"| 200 | style="text-align:right;"| 2,686 | style="text-align:right;"| 2,547 | style="text-align:right;"| 139 | style="text-align:right;"| 13.4 | style="text-align:right;"| 12.7 | style="text-align:right;"| 0.7 | style="text-align:right;"| 1,77 |- | 1998 | style="text-align:right;"| 201 | style="text-align:right;"| 2,923 | style="text-align:right;"| 2,367 | style="text-align:right;"| 556 | style="text-align:right;"| 14.5 | style="text-align:right;"| 11.8 | style="text-align:right;"| 2.8 | style="text-align:right;"| 1,89 |- | 1999 | style="text-align:right;"| 202 | style="text-align:right;"| 2,742 | style="text-align:right;"| 2,536 | style="text-align:right;"| 206 | style="text-align:right;"| 13.6 | style="text-align:right;"| 12.6 | style="text-align:right;"| 1.0 | style="text-align:right; color:red;"| 1,74 |- | 2000 | style="text-align:right;"| 203 | style="text-align:right;"| 2,907 | style="text-align:right;"| 2,645 | style="text-align:right;"| 262 | style="text-align:right;"| 14.3 | style="text-align:right;"| 13.0 | style="text-align:right;"| 1.3 | style="text-align:right;"| 1,82 |- | 2001 | style="text-align:right;"| 203 | style="text-align:right;"| 3,033 | style="text-align:right;"| 2,870 | style="text-align:right;"| 163 | style="text-align:right;"| 14.9 | style="text-align:right;"| 14.1 | style="text-align:right;"| 0.8 | style="text-align:right;"| 1,87 |- | 2002 | style="text-align:right;"| 203 | style="text-align:right;"| 3,252 | style="text-align:right;"| 3,061 | style="text-align:right;"| 191 | style="text-align:right;"| 16.0 | style="text-align:right;"| 15.1 | style="text-align:right;"| 0.9 | style="text-align:right;"| 1,98 |- | 2003 | style="text-align:right;"| 203 | style="text-align:right;"| 3,392 | style="text-align:right;"| 3,173 | style="text-align:right;"| 219 | style="text-align:right;"| 16.7 | style="text-align:right;"| 15.7 | style="text-align:right;"| 1.1 | style="text-align:right;"| 2,04 |- | 2004 | style="text-align:right;"| 202 | style="text-align:right;"| 3,513 | style="text-align:right;"| 3,015 | style="text-align:right;"| 498 | style="text-align:right;"| 17.4 | style="text-align:right;"| 14.9 | style="text-align:right;"| 2.5 | style="text-align:right;"| 2,08 |- | 2005 | style="text-align:right;"| 202 | style="text-align:right;"| 3,502 | style="text-align:right;"| 3,170 | style="text-align:right;"| 332 | style="text-align:right;"| 17.3 | style="text-align:right;"| 15.7 | style="text-align:right;"| 1.6 | style="text-align:right;"| 2,03 |- | 2006 | style="text-align:right;"| 202 | style="text-align:right;"| 3,395 | style="text-align:right;"| 2,837 | style="text-align:right;"| 558 | style="text-align:right;"| 16.8 | style="text-align:right;"| 14.1 | style="text-align:right;"| 2.8 | style="text-align:right;"| 1,93 |- | 2007 | style="text-align:right;"| 202 | style="text-align:right;"| 4,066 | style="text-align:right;"| 2,574 | style="text-align:right;"| 1,492 | style="text-align:right;"| 20.1 | style="text-align:right;"| 12.7 | style="text-align:right;"| 7.4 | style="text-align:right; color:blue;"| 2,29 |- | 2008 | style="text-align:right;"| 203 | style="text-align:right;"| 4,442 | style="text-align:right;"| 2,549 | style="text-align:right;"| 1,893 | style="text-align:right;"| 21.9 | style="text-align:right;"| 12.5 | style="text-align:right;"| 9.3 | style="text-align:right; color:blue;"| 2,48 |- | 2009 | style="text-align:right;"| 204 | style="text-align:right;"| 4,266 | style="text-align:right;"| 2,492 | style="text-align:right;"| 1,774 | style="text-align:right;"| 20.9 | style="text-align:right;"| 12.2 | style="text-align:right;"| 8.7 | style="text-align:right; color:blue;"| 2,48 |- | 2010 | style="text-align:right;"| 206 | style="text-align:right;"| 4,224 | style="text-align:right;"| 2,508 | style="text-align:right;"| 1,716 | style="text-align:right;"| 20.6 | style="text-align:right;"| 12.2 | style="text-align:right;"| 8.3 | style="text-align:right; color:blue;"| 2,48 |- | 2011 | style="text-align:right;"| 207 | style="text-align:right;"| 4,719 | style="text-align:right;"| 2,529 | style="text-align:right;"| 2,190 | style="text-align:right;"| 22.7 | style="text-align:right;"| 12.2 | style="text-align:right;"| 10.5 | style="text-align:right; color:blue;"| 2,84 |- | 2012 | style="text-align:right;"| 209 | style="text-align:right;"| 4,693 | style="text-align:right;"| 2,416 | style="text-align:right;"| 2,277 | style="text-align:right;"| 22.4 | style="text-align:right;"| 11.5 | style="text-align:right;"| 10.9 | style="text-align:right; color:blue;"| 2,91 |- | 2013 | style="text-align:right;"| 211 | style="text-align:right;"| 4,442 | style="text-align:right;"| 2,392 | style="text-align:right;"| 2,027 | style="text-align:right;"| 21.1 | style="text-align:right;"| 11.3 | style="text-align:right;"| 9.8 | style="text-align:right; color:blue;"| 2,82 |- | 2014 | style="text-align:right;"| 213 | style="text-align:right;"| 4,404 | style="text-align:right;"| 2,365 | style="text-align:right;"| 2,039 | style="text-align:right;"| 20.7 | style="text-align:right;"| 11.1 | style="text-align:right;"| 9.6 | style="text-align:right; color:blue;"| 2,88 |- | 2015 | style="text-align:right;"| 214 | style="text-align:right;"| 4,022 | style="text-align:right;"| 2,347 | style="text-align:right;"| 1,675 | style="text-align:right;"| 18.7 | style="text-align:right;"| 10.9 | style="text-align:right;"| 7.8 | style="text-align:right; color:blue;"| 2,68 |- | 2016 | style="text-align:right;"| 216 | style="text-align:right;"| 3,911 | style="text-align:right;"| 2,151 | style="text-align:right;"| 1,760 | style="text-align:right;"| 18.1 | style="text-align:right;"| 10.0 | style="text-align:right;"| 8.1 | style="text-align:right; color:blue;"| 2,63(e) |- | 2017 | style="text-align:right;"| 217 | style="text-align:right;"| 3,443 | style="text-align:right;"| 2,099 | style="text-align:right;"| 1,344 | style="text-align:right;"| 15.8 | style="text-align:right;"| 9.6 | style="text-align:right;"| 6.2 | style="text-align:right; color:blue;"| |}

===Ethnic groups=== [[File:Этническая карта Республики Алтай по населённым пунктам.png|thumb|300px|Ethnic map of the Altai Republic by settlements, 2010 census. {{Legend|#ff0000|[[Russians]]}}{{Legend|#adff2f|[[Altai people|Altaians]]}}{{Legend|#008000|[[Kumandins]]}}{{Legend|#00ff00|[[Kazakhs]]}}]] As per the [[Russian Census (2021)|2021 Census]],<ref name=census2021>{{cite web |title=Национальный состав населения |url=https://rosstat.gov.ru/storage/mediabank/Tom5_tab1_VPN-2020.xlsx |publisher=[[Federal State Statistics Service (Russia)|Federal State Statistics Service]] |access-date=December 30, 2022 }}</ref> ethnic [[Russians]] make up 53.7% of the republic's population, with the indigenous [[Altai people]] making up 37.0%. Other groups include people of [[Kazakhs|Kazakh]] (6.4%), together with smaller groups, each accounting for less than 0.5% of the total population. {| class="wikitable" style="text-align: right;" |- style="background:#e0e0e0;" ! rowspan="2" | Ethnic group ! colspan="2" | 1926 Census ! colspan="2" | 1939 Census ! colspan="2" | 1959 Census ! colspan="2" | 1970 Census ! colspan="2" | 1979 Census ! colspan="2" | 1989 Census ! colspan="2" | 2002 Census ! colspan="2" | 2010 Census ! colspan="2" | 2021 Census |- style="background:#e0e0e0;" ! Number ! % ! Number ! % ! Number ! % ! Number ! % ! Number ! % ! Number ! % ! Number ! % ! Number ! % ! Number ! % |- | style="text-align:left;"| [[Altai people|Altai]] | 42,2131 |42.4% | 39,285 |24.2% | 38,019 |24.2% | 46,750 |27.8% |50,203 |29.2% | 59,130 |31.0% | 68,0272 |33.6% | 69,9633 |34.5% | 73,242 |37.0% |- | style="text-align:left;"| [[Russians]] | 51,813 |52.0% |114,209 |70.4% | 109,661 |69.8% | 110,442 |65.6% |108,795 |63.2% | 115,188 |60.4% | 116,510 |57.5% | 114,802 |56.6% | 106,258 |53.7% |- |align="left"| [[Kazakhs]] | 2,326 |2.3% | 4,280 |2.6% | 4,745 |3.0% | 7,170 |4.3% |8,677 |5.0% | 10,692 |5.6% | 12,108 |6.0% | 12,524 |6.2% | 12,647 |6.4% |- | style="text-align:left;"| Others | 3,309 |3.3% | 4,405 |2.7% | 4,736 |3.0% |3,899 |2.3% |4,365 |2.5% |5,821 |3.1% | 5,914 |2.9% | 5,447 |2.7% | 5,741 |2.9% |} # including 3,414 [[Telengits]], 1,384 [[Kumandins]] and 344 [[Teleuts]] # including 2,368 [[Telengits]], 1,533 [[Tubalars]], 931 [[Kumandins]], 830 [[Chelkans]], 141 [[Shors]] and 32 [[Teleuts]] # including 3,648 [[Telengits]], 1,891 [[Tubalars]], 1,062 [[Kumandins]], 1,113 [[Chelkans]] and 87 [[Shors]] # including 2,587 [[Telengits]], 3,424 [[Tubalars]], 1,037 [[Kumandins]], 1,170 [[Chelkans]] and 91 [[Shors]] #3,432 people were registered from administrative databases, and could not declare an ethnicity. It is estimated that the proportion of ethnicities in this group is the same as that of the declared group.<ref>[http://www.perepis-2010.ru/news/detail.php?ID=6936 Перепись-2010: русских становится больше] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225111852/http://www.gks.ru/free_doc/new_site/perepis2010/croc/perepis_itogi1612.htm |date=December 25, 2018 }}. Perepis-2010.ru (December 19, 2011). Retrieved on August 20, 2013.</ref>

== Politics == The head of government in the Altai Republic is the Head of the Republic, popularly elected for a four-year term. {{as of|2024}}, the current Head of the Republic is [[Andrey Turchak]], who succeeded [[Oleg Khorokhordin]] in this post. The supreme legislative body of the republic is the [[State Assembly of the Altai Republic|State Assembly—El Kurultai]], with 41 deputies popularly elected every four years. Igor Yaimov is the current Chairman of the State Assembly-El Kurultai from January 2002.

The Republic's Constitution was adopted on June 7, 1997.

== Economy == The Altai Republic is a [[Agriculture in Russia|highly agricultural]] region. However, it does have some industry which includes foodstuffs, non-ferrous [[metallurgy]], [[chemicals]], gold mining, footwear, dairying, and timber. Tourism has also begun to be a large part of the economy, and a significant number of new hotels and resorts have appeared.

=== Mining === * [[Alakhinskoye mine]] (lithium reserve)

=== Transportation === [[File:Спуск с Семинского перевала.jpg|thumb|Seminsky Pass of the [[R256 highway (Russia)|Chuysky Trakt]]]]

The Altai Republic is one of the few Russian [[Federal subjects of Russia|political divisions]] without [[Rail transport in Russia|rail access]]. The main paved road is the Chuysky Tract, which spans the republic from the capital Gorno-Altaisk in the north to the [[Mongolia–Russia border|Mongolian border]] in the south. The republic's main paved road threads its way through the rugged [[Altai Mountains]]. A system of taxis and buses transports people between settlements. Within the settlements, people generally walk or ride horses.

Helicopters are used for emergency transportation, to supply remote government outposts, and by wealthy tourists. In 2012, runway capacity at the [[Gorno-Altaysk Airport]] near the [[Republics of Russia|republic]]'s capital, was doubled. In June that same year, [[S7 Airlines]] started direct flights from Moscow. Prior to this, passengers used to fly through [[Barnaul]] in [[Altai Krai]] or [[Novosibirsk]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sponsored/rbth/features/9956718/altai-republic-feature.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140326082548/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sponsored/rbth/features/9956718/altai-republic-feature.html |title=Altai Republic slowly opening up to outside world |date=March 27, 2013 |author=James Brooke |archive-date=March 26, 2014 |url-status=dead |website=www.telegraph.co.uk }}</ref>

=== Tourism === {{see also|Tourism in Russia}}

[[File:'Russia’s Tibet’ Opens to Jet-Age Tourism.theora.ogv|thumbnail|A [[Voice of America]] reporter tours the Altai region in 2012.]]

With the [[dissolution of the Soviet Union]], the Altai Republic's tourism industry has greatly expanded. Although wealthy Russians from neighboring Russian regions are the most common sort of tourist in Altai, foreign interest has also grown in the area, especially due to the area's spiritual significance.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}}

Popular tourist destinations tend to be concentrated in the north, where the roads are more accessible. They are also almost entirely located along the Chuiskiy highway, which is the main road from the north into the mountains, although it is currently (2006) only two lanes wide. The north is also significantly warmer than the elevated southern areas, which tend to be chilly even in the summer.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}}

Some of the more well-known tourist spots in the Altai Republic include Lake Aiya, a popular bathing spot, and the picturesque Chemal region. More adventurous travelers sometimes visit the more remote Lake Teletskoye or Mount Belukha in the south.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}}

== Education == There is one university ([[Gorno-Altaysk State University]]), 12 colleges, and 205 secondary schools in the republic.

== Religion == {{See also|Religion in Russia}}{{Bar box |title = Religion in Altai Republic as of 2012 (Sreda Arena Atlas)<ref name="2012ArenaAtlas">{{Cite web |title=Main page project "Arena" : Non-profit research based consulting "Sreda" |url=https://sreda.org/en/arena |access-date=December 31, 2022 |language=en-US }}</ref><ref name="2012Arena-religion-maps">[http://c2.kommersant.ru/ISSUES.PHOTO/OGONIOK/2012/034/ogcyhjk2.jpg 2012 Arena Atlas Religion Maps]. "Ogonek", No. 34 (5243), August 27, 2012. Retrieved April 21, 2017. [https://web.archive.org/web/20170421154615/http://c2.kommersant.ru/ISSUES.PHOTO/OGONIOK/2012/034/ogcyhjk2.jpg Archived].</ref> |float = right |bars = {{Bar percent|[[Russian Orthodox Church|Russian Orthodoxy]]|DarkOrchid|27.6}} {{Bar percent|[[Old Believers]]|Purple|1.2}} {{Bar percent|[[Protestantism in Russia|Protestantism]]|Navy|1}} {{Bar percent|Other [[Christianity in Russia|Christians]]|DeepSkyBlue|3}} {{Bar percent|[[Islam in Russia|Islam]]|Green|6.2}} {{Bar percent|[[Hinduism in Russia|Hinduism]]|Orange|2}} {{Bar percent|[[Tengrism]] and other native faiths|Red|13}} {{Bar percent|[[Spiritual but not religious]]|DarkSlateGray|24.6}} {{Bar percent|[[Atheism]] and [[irreligion]]|Black|14.4}} {{Bar percent|Other and undeclared|Gray|7.4}} }}

Different religions are present in Altai. According to a 2012 survey,<ref name="2012ArenaAtlas" /> 27.6% of the population adheres to the [[Russian Orthodox Church]]. The second most popular religions are [[ethnic religion|ethnic]] and [[nature religion]]s, namely [[Rodnovery]] (Slavic native faith), [[Tengrism]] (Central Asians' native faith) and [[Burkhanism]], constituting altogether 13% of the population. 6% of the population follows [[Islam]], 2% [[Hinduism]] (including [[Historical Vedic religion|Slavic-Vedic]], [[Krishnaism|Krishnaite]], and [[Tantrism|Tantric]] movements), 1% are [[Old Believers]] and 1% [[Protestants]]. 25% of the population is "spiritual but not religious", 14% is [[atheism|atheist]] and 7.4% follows other religions or did not answer the question.<ref name="2012ArenaAtlas" />

The traditional religion of the native Altaians is Tengrist [[shamanism]], revived by modern [[Tengrism|Tengrist]] movements and [[Burkhanism]]. Ethnic Russians primarily practice [[Russian Orthodox Church|Russian Orthodox Christianity]] and [[Rodnovery]] (Slavic native faith), while Kazakhs are traditionally [[Muslims]]. [[Tibetan Buddhism]] has also recently begun making some inroads by way of neighboring Mongolia and [[Tuva]].

It is unknown when Buddhism came into Altai but in various periods of history, the territory of the Altai and its population found themselves in full or partial subjection to neighboring states, where Buddhism was the official or one of the official religions: the state of the Khitans (tenth-twelfth centuries), the Mongol Empire (thirteenth-fourteenth centuries), and the Dzhungar Khanate (seventeenth-eighteenth centuries).<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Zhukovskaia |first=N. L. |date=April 1, 2001 |title=Lamaism in the Altai |journal=Anthropology & Archeology of Eurasia |volume=39 |issue=4 |pages=50–51 |doi=10.2753/AAE1061-1959390450 |s2cid=161432849 |issn=1061-1959 }}</ref>

From 1904 until the 1930s, a new religious movement called [[Burkhanism]] (or ''Ak Jang'', the "white faith") was popularized among native Altaians. The religion originated in Altai and emphasized the "white" aspect of shamanistic practice. Burkhanism remains an important component of Altai national consciousness and is currently being revived in several forms along with indigenous Altai culture in general.

Russian Pagan followers often go on pilgrimages to Mount Belukha, which is considered to be the location of Shambhala both by some Pagans and locals of Altai. One can often find manifestations of shamanistic spirituality in the region; for example, at points along the Katun River, local believers in shamanic religions are known to tie white ribbons to nearby trees and leave offerings of coins or food to the spirits.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://sustainability.syr.edu/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060905170930/http://enspire.syr.edu/AltaiWeb/AltaiCulture.html |url-status=dead |title=Home - Sustainability – Syracuse University |archive-date=September 5, 2006 |website=sustainability.syr.edu }}</ref> Although shamanism is much less widely practiced today, it is regaining popularity as a result of new religious freedom following the collapse of the Soviet Union. {{clear}}

== Culture == The indigenous Altai culture holds the lands of Altai to be sacred. The indigenous (Turkic) languages are focused on the stewardship of the lands. The Altai oral history is transmitted by throat-singers. The Altai culture was repressed during Soviet times and has been rebounding since then. The clans of all ten regions gather in the village of Yelo for a biennial cultural celebration.

There is also a large contingent of "Old Believers" who fled to Altai [[Schism of the Russian Church|when they split]] from the Russian Orthodox Church over 300 years ago.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site "Golden Mountains" protects the [[Ukok Plateau]], on which there are many standing stones and [[kurgan]]s. Although archaeologists consider [[kurgan]]s to be burial sites, the indigenous people believe that they are highly refined magnetic instruments for directing the flow of cosmic energy into the Earth.{{Citation needed|date=February 2012}} Thus, there is great local indignation about the excavation and removal of the [[Siberian Ice Maiden]], an extraordinary 2,500-year-old mummy that had been preserved in permafrost.

Gorno-Altaisk is the location of the National Museum of the Altai Republic, which houses the mummy, the "Altai Princess", the National Library of the Republic of Altai, the National Theatre of the Republic of Altai and the Municipal House of Culture.

Regularly held national holiday Maslenitsa, Nowruz, Chaga – Bayram, received in February 2013 with the official status of the Republican celebration.

In 2013, the Altai Republic participated in the [[Turkvision Song Contest]]. The Altai Republic's entry was the song "Altayym Menin" performed by Artur Marlujokov. The Altai Republic placed fifth in the contest.

== Sport == [[Bandy]] is played in the Altai Republic.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://vk.com/club36551248 |title=РОО Республики Алтай "Федерация хоккея с мячом" {{pipe}} VK }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www-rusbandy-ru.translate.goog/?_x_tr_sch=http&_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=sv&_x_tr_hl=sv&_x_tr_pto=sc |title=Федерация хоккея с мячом России |website=rusbandy.ru }}</ref>

== Notable people == {{Main category|People from the Altai Republic}}

* [[Alexander Berdnikov]] (born April 8, 1953), Chairman of the Government of the Altai Republic, and the head of the republic from January 20, 2006 * [[Grigory Gurkin]] (January 24, 1870 – October 11, 1937), landscape painter * [[Mikhail Lapshin]] (September 1, 1934 – June 17, 2006), President of the Altai Republic from January 19, 2002, to January 19, 2006 * [[Sergey Ochurdyapov]] (born February 24, 1974), Honored Worker of Culture of the Altai Republic. Head of the Inspectorate for State Protection of Cultural Heritage Objects of the Altai Republic since September 13, 2017. Head of the [[House of Ak-Kebek]] * [[Aruna Arna]] (born 30 March 1986), leader of the protest movement in Altai Republic. * [[Sergey Mikayelyan]] (born April 27, 1992), cross-country skier * [[Viktor Shvaiko]] (b. 1965), painter * [[Semyon Zubakin]] (born May 4, 1952), Head of the Altai Republic, in Russia, from January 13, 1998, to January 19, 2002

== See also == {{Portal|Russia}} * [[Music of Altai]] * [[Altai-Sayan region]] * [[Islam in the Altai Republic]]

== Explanatory notes== {{notelist}}

== References == === Citations === {{Reflist}}

=== Sources === {{refbegin}} * {{cite Russian law |ru_date=7 июня 1997 г. |ru_title=Конституция Республики Алтай (Основной Закон) |ru_amendment_type=Конституционного закона |ru_amendment_number=5-КРЗ |ru_amendment_date=27 ноября 2007 г |en_date=June 7, 1997 |en_title=Constitution of the Altai Republic (Basic Law) |en_amendment_type=Constitutional Law |en_amendment_number=5-KRZ |en_amendment_date=November 27, 2007 }} {{refend}}

== External links == {{Commons category}} {{Wikivoyage|Altai_Republic}} * [https://web.archive.org/web/20160313150148/http://eng.altai-republic.ru/index.php?newlang=eng Official website of the Altai Republic] * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVCGnOZAsxQ United Nations University digital video (2009) "Rediscovering Altai's human-nature relationships – Russia": a Telengit community leader and shaman from the Russian Altai's high altitude Kosh Agach Raion traversing Altai's sacred lands] Accessed December 1, 2009

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