Former presidents: Mukhu Aliyev (2006-2010), Magomedali Magomedov (1992-2006)
Prime Minister:Magomed Abdulaev (since February 2010)
Federation Council representatives: Ilyas Umakhanov (2001 to 2015), Suleiman Kerimov (2008 to 2011)
Population: 2,737,313 (2010)
Area: 50,300 square km (19,416 sq. miles)
Capital: Makhachkala: population 468 679 (2010) 2,166 km from Moscow
Federal district: North Caucasus
Economic region: North Caucasus
Time zone: Moscow, GMT +3, EST +8
Geography: Dagestan is the largest Russian republic in the Caucasus. It borders on Kalmykia, Stavropol, Chechnya, Georgia and Azerbaijan. Dagestan also has a long coastline on the Caspian Sea. Dagestan's topography is dominated by the Greater Caucasus mountain ranges. The Sulak River also flows through the republic. Major cities include Khasavyurt, Derbent, Kaspisk and Buynaksk.
Urban population: 43%, Rural population: 57%
Ethnic make-up: more than 110 nationalities including Avars, Dargins, Lezgins, Kumyks, Laks and Russians.
Economy: Apart from producing hydroelectric power, Dagestan is primarily agricultural. Major agricultural sectors include grain and vegetable cultivation, fruit- and winegrowing, sheep farming, and beef and dairy cattle farming. There is also a thriving industry in national crafts, including carpet-weaving and wood carving.
