The Republic of Buryatia (Buryatia) became part of Russia in the 17th century when pioneers came to Siberia in search of gold and furs. Having a population of 1,049,000 people and an area of 135,600 sq. miles, Buryatia stretches along the eastern shore of Lake Baikal and thus holds moring rights to the best beaches surrounding the lake. The republic’s economy is based on agriculture, timber, food industries and fur farming.

The Buryats, numbering approximately 450.000, are the largest ethnic minority group in Siberia. They are mainly concentrated in their homeland - the Republic of Buryatia. Buryats are of Mongolian descent and share many customs with their Mongolian cousins. Today, the majority of Buryats live in and around the capital of the Republic, although many live more traditional lives in the countryside.

The capital of Buryatia is Ulan Ude. Originally the city was called Verkhneudinsk, and only in 1934  got its present name - Ulan Ude, which means Red Uda in Buryat language. The city is located in a valley formed by the Selenga and Uda rivers, approximately 150klm from Lake Baikal. With a population of 386,000 people, it is the third largest city in Eastern Siberia.

Ulan-Ude was founded in 1666 by Russian Cossacks and was used primarily as a military outpost. In the 1680s the encampment was upgraded to a fortress and finally to the official status of city in 1690.

Ulan Ude’s ideal geographic location made possible two distinct opportunities for rapid economical growth during the early years of the city’s development. Firstly settling in between the commercial routes between Russia and the Far East (China and Mongolia), Ulan Ude became a hot bed of trade for the two economic powers. Secondly, the city was opened to the world when the Trans-Siberian Railway connected Ulan Ude with Central Russia and the Far East.

Ulan Ude occupies a territory of 85 acres and stretches for 20 miles from east to west. The private residence of the President of Buryatia and the Republic’s government office, the Khural, (National Assembly) are all located in Ulan Ude.