Tatarstan

Tatarstan is an autonomous republic within Russia. The republic is about 800 kilometers (497 miles) east of Moscow. It is between the Volga River and the Kama River (a tributary of the Volga), and extends east to the Ural Mountains. Most of the people are Tatars,

Its capital is Kazan.

Religion

Main page: Islam in Tatarstan

Islam is the faith that most people in Tatarstan follow.

Geography

The republic is located in the center of the East European Plain.

Rivers

Major rivers include (Tatar names are given in parentheses):

• Belaya River (Ağidel)
• Ik River (Iq)
• Kama River (Çulman)
• Volga River (İdel)
• Vyatka River (Noqrat)
• Kazanka River

Lakes

Major reservoirs of the republic include (Tatar names are given in parentheses):

• Kuybyshev Reservoir (Kuybışev)
• Lower Kama Reservoir (Tübän Kama)

The biggest lake is Qaban. The biggest swamp is Kulyagash.

Hills

• Bugulma-Belebey Upland
• Volga Upland
• Vyatskie Uvaly

Natural resources

View of the Volga River in the confluence with the Kama River

View on the Taima River from Devil's Tower in Yelabuga

Major natural resources of Tatarstan include oil, natural gas, gypsum, and more. It is estimated that the Republic has over one billion tons of oil deposits.