Mari mlande (Russia)

Mari El Republic

The Mari El Republic (Республика Марий Эл), often referred to as simply Mari El (Марий Эл), is a federal subject of Russia, a republic. Its name translates to "Mari Land" in the Mari language, "mlande" meaning land. It is located in the East European Plain, nestled along the Volga River.

People and Language

The republic is home to the Mari people, a Finnic ethnic group. The Mari language has two main dialects, Hill Mari and Meadow Mari, both of which are official languages alongside Russian within the republic. Historically, the Mari practiced a unique blend of paganism and Orthodox Christianity, with traditional beliefs and practices still playing a role in Mari culture.

Geography and Economy

Mari El features a landscape characterized by forests, rivers, and lakes. Its capital city is Yoshkar-Ola. The republic's economy is based on industries like timber processing, metalworking, and food production. Agriculture also plays a significant role, with a focus on livestock breeding and crop cultivation.

History

The territory of Mari El has a rich history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to ancient times. The Mari people have maintained a distinct cultural identity throughout periods of rule by various empires and states, including the Golden Horde, the Kazan Khanate, and ultimately Russia. The Mari Autonomous Oblast was established in 1920 and was transformed into the Mari ASSR (Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic) in 1936. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, it became the Republic of Mari El in 1992.

Administrative Divisions

Mari El is divided into administrative districts and cities/towns of republic significance.