Kabardino-Balkaria

Republic in the far southwestern Russian Federation, on the border with Georgia; area 12,500 sq km/4,826 sq mi; population (1996) 790,000 (58% urban) (48% Kabarda, 32% Russians, 9% Balkars). The capital is Nalchik, and other cities include Tyrnyauz and Prokhladnyy. The republic is on the northern slopes and foothills of the main Caucasus mountain range and contains the highest Caucasian peaks (Elbrus and Dykh Tau). It is crossed by the Rivers Terek, the Chegem, the Cherek, and the Baksan. Mineral deposits include wolfram, molybdenum, lead, zinc, and coal.

Main industries include mining, oil prospecting and drilling-equipment manufacture, metallurgical engineering, and food processing. Wheat, maize, fruit, and sunflowers are grown, and cattle, sheep, pigs, and horses (Kabarda breed) are raised in the republic.