General Knowledge: The Largest State In The World Is The Same Size As India – News18

Last Updated:January 22, 2025, 16:37 IST

Although this province is almost equal to India in terms of area, there is no comparison in population. While India has a population of over 140 crore, this province barely has 10 lakh people.

In the remote regions of Russia nests the largest province in the world. It is vast, but the population is low due to extreme weather conditions. Although this province is almost equal to India in terms of area, there is no comparison between the two regarding population. While India has a population of over 140 crore, this province barely has 10 lakh people.

The name of this state is Sakha, also known as Yakutia, located in the northeastern part of Siberia. Being one of the largest administrative divisions in Russia and the world, the area of Sakha is about 3.1 million square kilometres. Yakutia is known for its cold weather, icy areas, and natural resources.

Yakutia: The Largest Province in the World

Yakutia is one of the coldest places in the world. The temperature here can drop to minus-70 degree Celsius in the winter. It is difficult to survive in such a harsh and extreme climate, which is why the population is low. Most of this state is covered with permafrost, i.e. permanently covered with snow. This environment is not very conducive to agriculture or other traditional activities. However, Yakutia has many natural minerals.

The economy here is mainly based on mineral excavation. Yakutia is rich in natural resources like diamonds, gold, oil, and natural gas. Around 99% of Russia’s diamond production and one-fourth of the world’s diamond production takes place in Yakutia.

Amenities and Basic Facilities

People shy away from settling there due to limited transportation and infrastructure facilities. Many villages and towns are very far away. Due to the harsh climate and limited medical facilities, accessing health services is also a big challenge. This also affects population growth. Most people prefer to move to big cities and other convenient areas in search of urbanisation and a better lifestyle.

The Yakutia Tradition

The Yakut people have a rich cultural heritage, with a long tradition of epic storytelling, dance, music and craftwork. The Yakut language is a Turkic language, distinct from Russian, and a significant part of this region’s cultural identity.

The traditional occupations of the local people are cattle, horses, and hunting. For centuries, the people of Yakutia have worn durable, animal-skin clothes. Many indigenous people of Yakutia still practice their traditional lifestyles, including reindeer herding, hunting, and fishing.

Their famous ‘yhyakh’ festival celebrate summer solstice, the rebirth of nature and triumph of life after harsh winter and is central to their cultural calendar. The Yakuts are also engaged in the fur trade, selling luxury items such as silver and gold jewellery, carved bone, ivory, and wood crafts.

Prominent Cities

There are total of 13 cities in Yakutia (Sakha Republic). Yakutsk, Neryungri, Lensk, and Tiksi are major locations in Yakutia. The most prominent and largest city among these is Yakutsk, the capital and administrative centre of Yakutia. Yakutsk is one of the coldest cities in the world.

In terms of area, these are the largest provinces in the world. First is Yakutia (Russia), secondly, Western Australia (area is 2.6 million square kilometres) and third is Krasnoyarsk Krai province of Russia (area is about 2.3 million square kilometres).