Krai (territory) in the southwestern Russian Federation; area 80,600 sq km/31,120 sq mi; population (1996) 2,667,000 (54% urban). The capital is Stavropol. Wheat and sunflowers are grown, and cattle and sheep are raised. Natural gas is piped to Moscow and St Petersburg, and there are food-processing industries. There are spas and health resorts around Mineralnye Vody.