This shows the position of the Chechen state relative both to several other states in the Russian Federation as well as to Georgia, the nearest independent state. It also demonstrates the relationship of the nation with the Caucasus Mountains. Being a very oil rich mountain range, the Chechen republic is very valuable to the general Russian economy.

Click on the map for a full-sized version.

This map places strong emphasis on identifying the many different ethnic groups contained within the small area of the Caucasus Mountain Region. This places the issue and difficulties of creating one country out of this region into stark relief. Where the earlier sections have attempted to explain the difficulties that have been encountered in trying to unify this area, this map demonstrates how that task was not and will never be easy.

The geography of the state of Chechnya explains both the reasons that Russia wants so badly to hold onto the province, as well as why the resistance has been so strong and resilient. The mountains contain more that 1000 oil wells, one of the richest supplies of oil in the nation that is easily accessible. For centuries, this region has been dominated by different nations. In the past two hundred years, Chechnya has been controlled by the Russian monarchy, the British and French for a brief time, the Turks, the Soviet Russians, and is now controlled by the Russian Federation. Highly questionable election results have placed the control of even the local government into Russian hands. Yet, because of the geography of the state, it is clear that there will always be a sentiment of nationalism that will never be eliminated through external domination.

map from
www.1uptravel.com/worldmaps

Click on the map for a full-sized version.