Almost all countries define and designate their own geographical center. In the Russian Federation, it is located in Evenkia, near the magnificent lake. Vivi. Craftsmen from the nearest settlements built a chapel and put up an Orthodox cross with a height of 8 m. More recently, the geographic center of Russia was designated by surveyors.
However, tourists do not visit these deep places very often, since you can get here only by air. By helicopter from Tuva, the flight takes 2 hours. In a number of sources, information appeared that in connection with the annexation of the Crimean Peninsula to Russia, the geographical center has shifted westward. Despite this fact, nomadic natives come here from time to time. Reindeer herders graze animals in these places.
What does the term “geographical center” mean?
The geographical center of Russia or another state is a rather vague concept. Among European countries, Lithuania, Germany, Slovakia and Poland are applying for it. The location of the center is determined depending on the borders of the country and its extreme points.
According to the same principle, the geographical center of Russia on the map was determined. The location of this point was calculated by academician P. Bakut. The conventionality of this position does not prevent it from being considered a geographical symbol. Along with other attributes of the state, this point can be considered significant for the country.
History of the search for the geographical center of the Russian Federation
The exact coordinates of the place were determined by D. Mendeleev in 1906. The scientist performed theoretical calculations on paper, but they were dusted in archives until 1983. At the time, D. Mendeleev’s centennial anniversary was celebrated, and an obelisk was placed at the indicated coordinates (near the mouth of the river M. Shirt), which was a small copy of the ship of the St. Petersburg Admiralty.
After the formation of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, a change in state borders took place. A new calculation of the geographical center was made. The doctor of technical sciences P. Bakut was engaged in this in 1974. Soon, a scientific and sports expedition was organized, which put the sign of the geographical center of the country in the upper reaches of the river. Taz, which is located in the Tyumen region. The modern point was calculated after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Now many people know where the geographical center of Russia is located - on the shore of Lake. Vivi.
Approval of the center and installation of the mark
It all started with the fact that the coordinates were once again double-checked. 3 groups of scientists performed calculations independently of each other. After painstaking calculations, we settled on the fact that the geographical center of Russia has the following coordinates: 94º15 'c. d. and 66º25 's. w.
Then they engaged in the manufacture of an obelisk, which will be installed in the designated place. Several projects were presented, but the “Golden Flower of Russia” was recognized as the best member of the expedition Papanin. The description of the obelisk is as follows:
- Outwardly, it resembles a blossoming flower - a symbol of the revival of the country.
- At the top of the stem is a double-headed eagle of golden color.
- Near the base of the flower there are golden scrolls resembling petals. On their surface is a text with the names of the people involved in its installation.
In practice, making these scrolls was the hardest. Each height exceeded 1 m. The text is engraved on the outside. However, the greatest difficulty was caused by bending. Thanks to the inventiveness of the creators, all ideas were brought to life.
On July 27, 1992, the geographical center of Russia was inaugurated. A chapel was built and lit near the obelisk. The expedition members dream that over time the holy places of three other major religions will appear here.
Vivi lake
On one of the shores of the lake is the geographical center of the Russian Federation. It is a freshwater pond with 33 streams flowing into it. The surface area of the lake is 229 km 2 . In winter, the pond is held in place by an ice crust, which disappears only at the beginning of summer.
There are no settlements on the banks. Lake Vivi attracts with the beauty of the surrounding nature. There is a known case when a hermit lived here, who did not want to leave wonderful places.
Geology and species diversity
The lake was formed in a fracture of the earth's crust, so its shape is gradually changing. Earthquakes often occur in this area. It has an elongated shape with obvious angular bends. Its dimensions are 4 × 90 km. Larch forests are located along the shores.
The lake is poorly understood. Until today, its exact depth is not known. Scientists believe that the maximum value will be from 80 to 200 m. The geographical center of Russia on the southeast coast is the main and only attraction of the reservoir.
The ichthyofauna of the lake is unique: grayling, huge char and taimen, whitefish. For such representatives of the fauna, travelers and fishermen sometimes come here. The lake is a symbol of the new subject of the Russian Federation, which was formed as a result of the unification of Evenkia, Taimyr and Krasnoyarsk Territory.
New territory of Russia
The entry into the Russian Federation of the Crimean Peninsula shifted the location of the geographical center of the country. His coordinates are already known, an Orthodox cross is placed there.
The geographical center of Russia was previously located on a hill near the lake. Its new location is located tens of meters south. It has become even more difficult to see him, but this will not prevent people wishing to get here at any time of the year by air.