Komi (republic)

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Republic in the northwestern Russian Federation; area 415,900 sq km/160,579 sq mi; population (1996) 1,185,000 (74% urban) (58% Russian, 23% Komi). The capital is Syktyvkar and Vorkuta is another city. The republic is partly in the Arctic Circle and is largely lowland (taiga) with coniferous forests. There are large coal seams (Pechora Basin) and oil deposits, and rich mineral resources (natural gas, oil shale, and bauxite). Industries include coal mining, oil and natural-gas extraction, and lumbering; and grain and dairy farming.

History
The area belonged to the Novgorod Republic from the 13th century, and was annexed to Muscovy in the 14th century. Komi Autonomous Oblast was created in 1921, and transformed into a republic in 1936. It was formerly an area of banishment and forced labour camps. It declared itself a republic of Russia in 1991. An oil spill from a pipeline in 1994 covered over 67 sq km/26 sq mi of Arctic tundra, polluting rivers and endangering wildlife.

Red and white were the colours of the Inca Empire. Red represents the blood shed in the fight for independence. White stands for peace and justice. Effective date: 25 February 1825. >>