The Republic of Tatarstan is located on the eastern frontier of Europe at the confluence of the Volga and Kama rivers. The distance from Moscow is 797 km. The Republic of Tatarstan covers the territory of 68,000 km², which is roughly the size of such countries as Ireland, Lithuania, or Sri Lanka. The republic stretches for 290 km from the north to the south and for 460 km from the west to the east. In the north it borders the Kirov region, in the north-east – the Republic of Udmurtia, in the north-west – the Republic of Mari El, in the west – the Republic of Chuvashia, in the east – the Republic of Bashkortostan, and in the south – the Samara region, Orenburg region, and Ulyanovsk region. Geography of Tatarstan has a diverse character.
Relief
Relief of the Republic of Tatarstan is mainly of a flat character. Most of the territory is 200 metres above sea level, with an average height of 170 metres. The highest point of the republic is 381 metres. The lowest point being 35 metres. The stable crystalline foundation of the platform is deep-seated and is blocked all over by sedimentary rocks of 2000 metres. This fact makes Tatarstan a seismically safe territory.
Climate
The climate of the Republic of Tatarstan is moderate-continental. That means warm and hot summers and moderate cold winters. The average temperature of the coldest month (January) is -14°C, and of the warmest (July) +29°C, the annual average temperature is +2.5°C. The annual average amount of precipitation comes to 500 mm, of which 2/3 falls in summer and autumn and 1/3 – in winter and spring. The moderate climate favours the development of all kinds of agriculture.
Natural resources
Due to its geography, the main wealth of Tatarstan is oil. More than 2.6 milliard tons have been produced during the whole period of oil extraction in the Republic of Tatarstan since 1946. At present, the oil stocks of Tatarstan are estimated to be 0.8-1.0 milliard tons. Along with oil, bradenhead gas is extracted in the amount of 40 m³ per ton of oil. The republic holds rich stocks of petroleum bitumen. Besides, Tatarstan possesses the stocks of brown and black coal, goat, combustible slates, copper ores, gypsum, cement raw material, sand-gravel mixtures, mason’s and glass-making sand, lime-stones and dolomites, clays, phosphorites, mineral waters, medical mud.
Water resources
Tatarstan has huge water resources – an annual flow of rivers of the republic exceeds 240 milliard m³. The largest rivers of the republic are the Volga, the Kama and its two navigable tributaries – the Belaya and the Vyatka rivers. The total flow of the four rivers makes 234 milliard m³ per year. A certain part of the territory of the republic is occupied by big fresh water reservoirs – the Kuibyshev and the Nizhnekamskyi. Soils are very diverse. The best fertile soils covering 1/3 of the territory. Due to the high development of agriculture in Tatarstan, the forests occupy only 16% of its territory.
The surface of the territory of the republic is a raised, hilly plateau. It is divided up by the Volga and Kama river valleys into three unequal parts: Predvolzh’e – on the right bank of Volga, Predkam’e – to the north of the Kama, and Zakam’e – to the south of the Kama. About 90% of the land lies below 200 m at its highest with the exception of the Bugulma-Belebeevo heights in south-east Tatarstan. There the highest point in the republic reaches 367 m.
FAQ
Tatarstan’s geography offers a clear illustration of Russia’s identity as a transcontinental, multi-ethnic country that is a part of both Europe and Asia.
Tatarstan is located in the heart of European Russia, bordered by the Volga River to the west. It lies at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and the Ural Mountains, offering a unique mix of natural landscapes, from rolling hills to vast forests and rivers. Kazan, the republic’s capital, is a central hub of culture, history, and business.
Tatarstan experiences a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. Winters can be quite harsh, with temperatures often dropping below -10°C (14°F), while summers are moderate, averaging around 20°C (68°F). Due to its location in the Volga region, Tatarstan also experiences a fair amount of precipitation, especially in the spring and early summer.
Tatarstan is known for its beautiful rivers, with the Volga River being the largest and most significant. Other major rivers include the Kama River, which is a tributary of the Volga, as well as the Sviyaga, and Zai rivers. These rivers are essential for the region’s ecology, economy, and recreation.
Tatarstan is home to stunning natural landmarks, such as:
- Lake Kaban in Kazan, a picturesque and historically significant body of water.
- Volga-Kama Nature Reserve, known for its biodiversity and scenic landscapes.
- The Forests, which offer a wealth of wildlife and recreational opportunities.
- The Bolgar Historical and Archaeological Complex, located along the Volga River, also offers rich natural beauty in addition to its historical importance.
Tatarstan’s terrain is varied, with rolling hills, valleys, and forested areas interspersed with plains and river basins. The central and western parts of the republic are mainly flat or gently undulating, while the eastern areas transition into more hilly and rugged terrains. The Volga Uplands are a prominent feature in the southeastern region.
Tatarstan has a rich variety of plant life due to its diverse landscape. The republic is home to mixed forests (birch, pine, spruce, and oak), steppe regions, and wetlands along its rivers. The forests in Tatarstan are rich in mushrooms, berries, and medicinal plants, while the steppes are populated by grasses and wildflowers. The Volga-Kama Nature Reserve is particularly well-known for its preserved natural ecosystems.
While Tatarstan is not known for high mountains, it does have several notable hills and uplands, such as the Verkhnevolzhskaya Upland and the Volga-Kama Uplands. These hills provide unique landscapes, hiking opportunities, and beautiful panoramic views of the rivers and surrounding areas.
Tatarstan’s natural beauty offers a range of outdoor activities, including:
- Hiking and trekking in the Volga-Kama Nature Reserve and along the Sviyaga and Volga hills.
- Fishing and boating on the Volga, Kama, and other rivers.
- Camping in the forests and natural parks.
- Winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding in certain areas during the winter months.
- Wildlife watching in the republic’s reserves, particularly birdwatching and observing the unique flora and fauna of the Volga region.
Yes! Tatarstan has several protected natural areas, including the Volga-Kama Nature Reserve, the Tatarstan National Park, and the Zelenodolsk Reserve. These areas are home to diverse wildlife, including rare species like the European bison. These reserves are critical for preserving the region’s unique flora and fauna, and they offer excellent opportunities for eco-tourism and environmental education.
Tatarstan’s geography plays a key role in its economy. The abundance of natural resources like oil and natural gas, along with its central location in Russia, makes it a strategic hub for industry and trade. The Volga and Kama rivers are vital for transportation, facilitating both internal and external trade. The fertile land and river systems also support agriculture, making Tatarstan one of Russia’s key agricultural regions, particularly in crops like grain, potatoes, and vegetables.
