Geography:
The Komi Republic is situated in the far northeast of the European part of the Russian Federation within the boundaries of the Pechora and Mezen-Vychegda plains, the Central and Southern Timan, and the western slopes of the Urals (Northern, Subpolar, and Polar Urals). The capital is Syktyvkar. Area: 4,159 km2.

People:
Population:

Approximately 1,250,000 people live in the Republic of Komi, represented more than 70 different ethnic groups. Russian comprise the largest population group - 58%, followed by the indigenous Komi people - 23%. Other groups include Ukrainians (8%), Belarussians (2%) and Tatars (2%).

Languages:

There are two official languages in the Republic - Komi, which belongs to the Finno-Ugric group of languages, and Russian. 74,3% of Komi people speak their mother tongue.

Economy:

The Republic of Komi is rich in natural resources as coal, oil, gas, forest, minerals and metals.

Brief History:

In 1472 The Komi were conquered by Russia and made part of the Russian Empire. The republic was initially formed on August 22, 1921, as the Komi (Zyryan) Autonomous Region. In 1929, the region became part a new political unit called the Northern Territory with its capital in Arkhangelsk.

In 1935, the Northern Territory was reorganized into the Northern Region and a separate Komi Autonomous Region. The region was transformed into the Komi Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic (Komi ASSR) on December 5, 1936, into the Komi Soviet Socialist Republic (Komi SSR) in September 1990, and finally into the Komi Republic in June 1992.

The Komi suffered from russification policies. During the 50's Schools were no longer allowed to teach the native languages, permitting only Russian.

In 1996 An agreement in the area of self-determination was signed between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Komi. This agreement gave the Komi government the opportunity to further develop the Republic.

Current situation:

Komi started to recover from the severe environmental damage caused by oil spills and fires. The recognition of the Komi national movement within the political framework of the Komi Republic has benefited the Komi people
efforts to maintain and develop their own national identity. Komi representatives continue to effectively participate in the UN Working Group on Indigenous Population, as well as the Inter-sessional Working Group developing a declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.


Organizations:
The Komi is represented in the UNPO by the Komi National Revival Committee. Political System: The highest representative and legislative body is the State Council of the Komi Republic. It consists of 50 deputies and is elected for a 4-year term. Executive power is exercised by the head of the Komi Republic and the government as well as by local administrations.

Statistics: