The geographical location of the European North determines the basic climatic conditions, the possibility of developing this territory, as well as industrial production. The North is covered in romance, fraught with many mysteries and secrets. It has its own traditions, which are reverently handed down from generation to generation.
Features and geographical location
The geographical location of the European North is quite interesting, favorable from the point of view of trade. This is what has always attracted seafarers seeking to reach these lands. The composition of the European North is well known, this region includes such territories as the Arkhangelsk, Vologda, Murmansk regions, the republics of Karelia, Komi, and the Nenets Autonomous Okrug. The area is located in the northern part of the Russian Plain, characterized by the alternation of hills and plains. On the Kola Peninsula there are Khibiny Mountains, which were formed due to the emergence on the surface of the crystalline base of the Russian platform. Over a long period of time, different parts of the platform periodically rose and fell in this area. When sedimentary rocks enter the depressions, flat sections formed. Glaciers have contributed to this process. Thanks to them, the final view of the territory of the Russian North was formed.
Economic situation
This region has an excellent economic and geographical position, determined by the coastal location. It borders the region with some areas of Central Russia. The favorable geographical position of the European North determines the main areas of activity of the population in these territories. Sedimentary deposits located in the northeast of this region are rich in gas, oil, and coal deposits. Deposits of non-ferrous and ferrous metals were found on the Kola Peninsula and in Karelia. They predetermine the main industrial production developed in this territory.
Climate specifics
The European North is distinguished by the degree of illumination and surface heating depending on the time of year. The northern region is outside the Arctic Circle, so there is a polar night. It lasts depending on the latitude from 1 to 64 days. During this period, the sun does not go to the horizon, so it is cold and dark. The cities of the European North are characterized by harsh winters. For example, in Arkhangelsk, air temperature can drop to –45 degrees. Summer in this area is short, rather cool. Water in the White Sea, located in the Arkhangelsk region, warms up to +23 degrees. The reason for such low temperatures is the cold arctic air. In the summer, precipitation prevails in the second half of summer; in August, autumn begins in this region.
Water system
Analyzing the composition of the European North, we note that a system of rivers and lakes is quite developed in this territory. Most of them are shipping, the European North is rightfully proud of them. The natural resources of the territory include not only minerals, but also fish of different breeds. Northerners have always been proud of her. Salmon, which was caught on the Onega River, in the Arkhangelsk Region, was delivered with special convoys to the royal table. Hydroelectric power stations were built on the rapids of the Kola Peninsula and Karelia. A project is currently being implemented to build a tidal power station in the Mezen Bay of the White Sea. After the implementation of the plans in the Arkhangelsk region, cheap and safe electric energy will be produced, which many residents of the European North can use.
Natural areas
Analyzing the basic natural conditions and resources of the European North, it is important to mention that in the north of the region there is a tundra zone. This is where the excellent reindeer pastures are located. In the rest of the territory there is taiga, the European North is famous for it. The natural resources of the region are known far beyond the borders of our country. Soil productivity in the region is minimal; therefore, agriculture in the north is slightly developed.
Population
Severe climatic conditions can hardly be called attractive, therefore, the European North cannot boast of a high population density. The region’s resources are mainly related to wood processing, mining (processing) of stone and non-ferrous ores. More than 70 percent of the entire northern population lives in cities. In addition to the Russian people in the European North, there are representatives of the Finnish language group (Karelian, Komi), Nenets.
Economic activity
The largest cities of the European North - Petrozavodsk, Arkhangelsk, Murmansk, Severodvinsk - are considered developed industrial centers. In recent years, in the Arkhangelsk region, special attention has been paid to the development of Severodvinsk. Here is the largest Zvezdochka ship repair center in Russia, which fulfills the largest orders of the Russian government. There is also a Sevmash plant, known throughout the world. It is from here that the most modern and high-quality submarines capable of performing the most complex combat missions come out.
Recently, the development of the European North is gaining momentum. First of all, the volumes of extraction and sale of wood increased. From the Arkhangelsk, Onega seaports ships leave with the forest to European countries. Industries in the European North, such as pulp and paper and sawmills, are also based on green gold. A quarter of all Russian wood is harvested on this territory, half of domestic paper and one fifth of modern lumber are made.
Most of the wood reserves are located in the basins of Pechora, Northern Dvina, in the Republic of Karelia.
The main sawmill centers are Arkhangelsk, Onega, Kondopoga, Syktyvkar. In addition to forests, the industry of the European North is associated with chemical processing, non-ferrous metallurgy.
In Cherepovets (Vologda Oblast) is the largest metallurgical plant in the country, which has a full cycle. This enterprise operates on coal mined in the Pechora basin and ores of the Kostomuksha and Kovdor deposits.
Karelia and the Kola Peninsula are represented by the initial and basic stages of non-ferrous metallurgy. The aluminum plant is located in Kandalaksha, and the copper ore processing plant operates in Monchegorsk, both are part of the European North. Natural resources, such as apatite, are recognized as high-quality raw materials for the manufacture of phosphorus-containing mineral fertilizers. The European North, the region of the Pechora coal basin, is a pantry of gas and oil fields. The Timan-Pechora industrial and territorial complex covers the entire north-eastern part of the region.
In addition to use in the region, fuel is supplied to the Central part of the Russian Federation. Engineering is concentrated in Vologda and Petrozavodsk. But Arkhangelsk and Murmansk are proud of their fishing industry, for this there are all the natural conditions and resources of the European North, from waterways, the fishing fleet to canning plants.
Modern realities
Currently, this region is looking for ways to survive and develop in the difficult economic conditions prevailing in the country. Difficult relations with European countries negatively affected the export of fish, the forestry and fur industry suffered. As a result of the sharp decline in production in the region, a significant outflow of qualified personnel is observed. People are trying to leave the conditions of extreme existence in the central regions of Russia. New development programs should stop this process, attract new professionals to the region. There are environmental problems in the European North, primarily they concern the pollution of water and forest resources.
The population and traditions of the European North
Harsh life left its mark on the indigenous population of the North. People here are calm, reasonable, affable. Each family has its own traditions that are passed on to the younger generation. For example, in the villages of the Arkhangelsk province, a little spinning wheel was placed in the cradle of a newborn girl instead of a toy. Growing up, the girl first played it, and then, together with her older sisters and mother, learned to spin. As it grew, its spinning wheel grew. A girl from 12 years old was collecting a dowry for herself. Despite the fact that decades have passed, this custom has been preserved. Given modern realities, the spinning wheel was replaced with a modern sewing machine. Pomeranian beauties always caught the admiring glances of guys. Northerners are not only the most beautiful, but also hardworking, hospitable, real housewives and needlewomen.
Onega - a city by the White Sea
This small provincial northern town is known far beyond Russia. It is here, near the White Sea, that the real Pomors live, which the Russian ships once made with Peter the Great. But the city is not only proud of shipbuilders. It was from here, from Onega land, that salmon was delivered to the royal table. Despite the difficult economic conditions of our time, a large timber processing plant is successfully operating and periodically modernizing here and now. Onega has its own fish factory that grows salmon fry. Having gained a certain weight, the fry leave the walls of their native plant, they are released, giving them the opportunity to develop in natural conditions.
The population of the city is a little more than 20 thousand people, but all residents are distinguished by devotion to their native land. Of particular interest is the small island of Kiy, located near Onega. It was here that Nikon was hiding, who had fled from the Solovetsky Monastery. The nature of Kiya is unique, it is sung by many poets, depicted on the canvases of domestic and foreign artists.
Conclusion
The European North, whose natural resources are diverse, includes many small cities. They have their own history, traditions, production. The harsh climate only tempered the hearts and character of the northerners, gave confidence that they have something to be proud of. The North is not afraid of difficulties; numerous programs are being developed for the region's economic growth and support for young personnel. Only those who truly fall in love with the endless forests and blue lakes can understand the northern beauty.