Geography: The Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Area is located in the center of northern Siberia in the Russian Far North. More than 50% of the area lies north of the Arctic Circle. The area borders on the Komi Republic, the Khanty-Mansiisk Autonomous Area, and the Taimyr Autonomous Area. Its northern boundary is on the Arctic Ocean and it is part of the national boundary of the Russian Federation.
Urban population: 83%, Rural population: 17%
Ethnic make-up: includes Russians (58.8%), Ukrainians (13%), Tatars (5.4%) and Nenets (5.2%)
In July 2007 the perfectly preserved body of a baby mammoth, thought to have died over 10,000 years previously was recovered in the Yamal Peninsula. The mammoth's eyes and fur were intact. Following preliminary investigations the mammoth's body was sent to japan for ful tests.
Economy: The Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Area is a resource-producing region. The oil and gas industry is the leading economic sector, with a 93% share in total industrial production. More than 90% of Russia's natural gas and 12% of its oil are produced here. Due to the severe climate, agriculture in the region is limited to reindeer herding, hunting, fishing, and fur farming.
