Irkutsk

Oblast (region) of the Russian Federation, in southeastern Siberia; area 767,900 sq km/296,486 sq mi; population (1996) 2,795,000 (79% urban). The capital city is Irkutsk. The region is located on the north and western shores of Lake Baikal and has large coal, iron ore, gold, salt, and mica deposits.

Other cities in the region include Angarsk, Bratsk, and Cheremkhovo. The region is situated on the central Siberian uplands, with a severe continental climate and permafrost layer, and is extensively covered with coniferous forests. Industries include mining of coal, iron ore, and gold; lumbering; engineering and chemical production; electricity generation (on the River Angara); agricultural activities include fur trapping, fishing, grain growing, and cattle breeding. The area was formerly notorious for banishment of political exiles into forced labour camps.