A vast geographic region in northern Asia that forms the majority of the territory of Russia. It extends from the Ural Mountains in the west to the Pacific Ocean in the east, and from the Arctic Ocean in the north to the borders of Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and China in the south. Siberia is known for its immense size, harsh continental climate, extensive forests, tundra, and major river systems such as the Ob, Yenisei, and Lena.
Population:
Approximately 33 to 36 million people live across Siberia. Population density is low due to the region’s extreme climate and large remote areas, with major population centers including Novosibirsk, Omsk, and Krasnoyarsk.
Brief History:
Siberia has been inhabited for thousands of years by numerous Indigenous peoples. Beginning in the late 16th century, Russian explorers and settlers expanded eastward across the region, gradually bringing Siberia under Russian control. During the imperial and Soviet periods, Siberia became important for fur trading, mining, and resource extraction, and it was also used as a place of exile and labor camps.
Current Day:
Today Siberia remains a key region for natural resources, including oil, natural gas, coal, timber, and minerals. Its economy is closely tied to energy production and extraction industries. The region also plays an important role in global climate and ecology due to its vast boreal forests and permafrost landscapes.
Image Credit: By M.Bitton – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0. [Accessed 16/03/2026]
