Khanty-Mansi and Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrugs 93 years

On 10 December 1930, the Ostyak-Vogul National Okrug and the Yamal (Nenets) National Okrug were formed in the Ural Oblast. Both are now part of the Tyumen Oblast, the former being nowadays called the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug. The okrug covers an area of 534,801 square kilometres and has a population of 1,730,353. A large part of the wealth of the Russian Federation is produced in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, which ranks second only to Moscow in terms of total economic output.

The Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug is one of the largest constituent entities of the Russian Federation, covering an area of 769,520 square kilometres, with a population of only 512,387.

This year, the birthday was celebrated modestly, as if embarrassed that such a day should be commemorated at all.

Nevertheless, the public was congratulated on the occasion by the heads of the okrugs Natalia Komarova and Dmitry Artyukhov, who in particular mentioned in their greetings that the districts are firmly the rear of Russia as the country is conducting a military operation in Ukraine, as well as the fact that the regions produce most of the country’s energy, gas and oil. It was stressed that the greatest asset is the people of the districts who work heroically for the country. Neither governor felt it necessary to mention in their greetings the Khanty, Mansi and Nenets, whose land actually produces Russia’s wealth. However, as is customary on the eve of the anniversary, festive concerts were held in the district capitals of Khanty-Mansiysk and Salekhard, during which many local and national awards were handed out. Apart from open days for museums, there were no special events dedicated to the anniversary.

The celebrations were overshadowed by the celebration of Patriots’ Day, which was celebrated almost at the same time, on 9 December. It was a day of celebration and celebration, honouring heroes and remembering those who died in wars, this time especially those who died in the Russian-Ukrainian war.