Kuban

River in eastern Europe; length 906 km/563 mi. The Kuban rises on the slopes of Mt Elbrus in Georgia and follows a westward course through Russia, flowing into the Sea of Azov via a wide, marshy delta. The principal port on the river is Krasnodar.

Other major settlements on the Kuban include Armavir and Cherkessk. The Kuban Steppe, the region through which the river flows, was extensively populated by Cossacks from the late 18th century onwards. This group is experiencing a revival after persecution under Soviet rule.