Crimea 47394 225828646 2008-07-15T16:17:47Z 71.239.128.121 {{Infobox Country |native_name = Автономна Республіка Крим <br/> Автономная Республика Крым <br/> ''Qırım Muhtar Cumhuriyeti'' |conventional_long_name = Autonomous Republic of Crimea |common_name = Crimea |image_flag = Flag of Crimea.svg |image_coat = Crimea_Emblem.gif |image_map = Map of Ukraine political simple Oblast Krim.png |map_caption = Location of Crimea (red) with respect to [[Ukraine]] (light blue). |image_map2 = LocationCrimea.PNG |map_caption2 = Location of Crimea (dark green) with respect to Ukraine (light green) on a map of [[Europe]]. |national_motto = Процветание в единстве{{spaces|2}}<small>([[Russian language|Russian]])</small><br/>''[[Hymn of Crimea|Protsvetanie v edinstve]]''{{spaces|2}}<small>([[transliteration]])<br/>"Prosperity in unity"</small> |national_anthem = [[Hymn of Crimea|Нивы и горы твои волшебны, Родина]]{{spaces|2}}<small>([[Russian language|Russian]])</small><br/>''Nivy i gory tvoi volshebny, Rodina''{{spaces|2}}<small>([[transliteration]])<br/>''Your fields and mounts are wonderful, Motherland''</small> |official_languages = [[Ukrainian language|Ukrainian]]<sup>1</sup> |regional_languages = [[Russian language|Russian]], [[Crimean Tatar language|Crimean Tatar]] |ethnic_groups = 58.32% [[Russians]]<br/>24.32% [[Ukrainians]]<br/>12.10% [[Crimean Tatars]] |ethnic_groups_year = |capital = [[Image:Simferopol-COA.gif|25px]] [[Simferopol]] |latd=44 |latm=56 |latNS=N |longd=34 |longm=6 |longEW=E |largest_city = capital |government_type = [[Autonomous republic|Autonomous republic within]] [[Ukraine]] |leader_title1 = [[President of Ukraine|Head of State]] |leader_name1 = [[Viktor Yushchenko]]<sup>2</sup> |leader_title2 = [[Prime Minister]] |leader_title2 = [[Prime Minister of Crimea|Prime Minister]] |leader_name2 = Viktor Plakida |leader_title3 = [[Speaker (politics)|Speaker of<br/>the Parliament]] |leader_name3 = <br/>[[Anatoliy Pavlovych Hrytsenko|Anatoliy P. Hrytsenko]] |sovereignty_type = [[Autonomous republic|Autonomy]] <span style="font-weight:normal; white-space:nowrap;">from the [[Russian Empire]] / [[Soviet Union]]</span> |established_event1 = Established<sup>3</sup> |established_date1 = [[October 18]] [[1921]] |established_event2 = Abolished<sup>4</sup> |established_date2 = [[June 30]] [[1945]] |established_event3 = Restored<sup>5</sup> <!--|established_date3 = [[April 26]], [[1954]]--> |established_date3 = [[February 12]] [[1992]] |accessionEUdate = |area_rank = 148 |area_magnitude = |area_km2 = 26,100 |area_sq_mi = 10,038 <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]--> |percent_water = |population_estimate = 1,973,185 |population_estimate_year = 2007 |population_estimate_rank = 148 |population_census = 2,033,700 |population_census_year = [[Ukrainian Census (2001)|2001]] |population_density_km2 = 75.6 |population_density_sq_mi = 29.3 <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]--> |population_density_rank = 116 |currency = [[Ukrainian hryvnia]] |currency_code = UAH |country_code = UA |time_zone = [[Eastern European Time|EET]] |utc_offset = +2 |time_zone_DST = [[Eastern European Summer Time|EEST]] |utc_offset_DST = +3 |cctld = crimea.ua |calling_code = 380{{!}}380 65/692<sup>6</sup> |footnote1 = Because [[Ukrainian language|Ukrainian]] is the only state language in Ukraine, no other language may be official. But according the Constitution of Autonomous Republic of Crimea [[Russian language|Russian]] is language of interethnic communication. However, government duties are fulfilled mainly in [[Russian language|Russian]], hence it is a ''de facto'' official language. [[Crimean Tatar language|Crimean Tatar]] is also used. |footnote2 = The Head of State of Crimea is the President of Ukraine (currently [[Viktor Yushchenko]]). |footnote3 = The [[Crimean Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic|Crimean ASSR]] was created as part of the [[Russian SFSR]]. |footnote4 = The Crimean ASSR's autonomy was removed and transformed into the [[Crimean Oblast]] of the {{abbr|RSFSR|Russian SFSR}}. |footnote5 = The Crimean Oblast was transformed into the Autonomous Republic of Crimea as part of independent [[Ukraine]]. |footnote6 = 380 65 for Autonomous Republic of Crimea, 380 692 for [[Sevastopol City]] }} </div> '''Crimea''' ({{IPAEng|kraɪˈmiːə}}) or the '''Autonomous Republic of Crimea''' ({{lang-uk|Крим, Автономна Республіка Крим, ''Avtonomna Respublika Krym''}}; {{lang-ru|Крым, Автономная Республика Крым}}; {{lang-crh|Qırım, Qırım Muhtar Cumhuriyeti}}; {{lang-ger|Krim}}) is an [[autonomous republic]] of [[Ukraine]] on the northern coast of the [[Black Sea]] occupying a [[peninsula]] of the same name. The territory of Crimea was conquered and controlled many times throughout its history. The [[Cimmerians]], [[Ancient Greece|Greek]]s, [[Ancient Iranian peoples|Iranians]], [[Crimean Goths|Goths]], [[Huns]], [[Bulgars]], [[Khazars]], the state of [[Kievan Rus']], [[Byzantine Empire|Byzantine]] Greeks, [[Kipchaks]], and the [[Mongols]] all controlled Crimea in its early history. In the 13th century it was partly controlled by the [[Republic of Venice|Venetians]] and by the [[Genoese]]; these were followed by the [[Crimean Khanate]] and [[Ottoman Empire]] in the 15th–18th centuries, the [[Russian Empire]] in the 18th–20th centuries, the [[Russian SFSR]] and later [[Ukrainian SSR]] within [[Soviet Union]] in the rest of 20th century, [[Germany]] in [[World War II]], and now, the independent [[Ukraine|Ukrainian]] state. The total area of the republic is 26,200 km². As of 2007, Crimea has a population of 1,973,185 inhabitants. The capital of Crimea is the city of [[Simferopol]]. Crimea is the homeland for the [[Crimean Tatars]], an ethnic minority who now make up about 13% of the population. The Crimean Tatars were [[Population transfer in the Soviet Union|forcibly expelled]] to [[Central Asia]] by [[Joseph Stalin]]'s government, but have begun returning to their homeland in recent years.<ref>[http://www.euronet.nl/users/sota/statshist.html Deportation of Crimean Tatars by Stalin]</ref> ==Etymology of the name== The name ''Crimea'' takes its origin in the name of a city of Qırım (today's ''[[Stary Krym]]'') which served as a capital of the Crimean province of the [[Golden Horde]]. ''Qırım'' is [[Crimean Tatar language|Crimean Tatar]] for "my hill" (''qır'' – hill, ''-ım'' – my). However, there are other versions of the etymology of Qırım. Russian ''Krym'' is a Russified form of Qırım. The [[Ancient Greece|ancient Greeks]] called Crimea ''[[Tauris]]'' (later ''[[Taurica]]''), after its inhabitants, the [[Tauri]]. The Greek historian [[Herodotus]] mentions that [[Hercules]] plowed that land using a huge ox ("Taurus"), hence the name of the land. In [[English language|English]], Crimea is sometimes referred to with the definite article, ''the Crimea'', as in [[Netherlands|''the Netherlands'']], ''[[the Gambia]]'', etc. However, usage without the article has become more frequent in journalism since the years of the [[Soviet Union]]. ==History== ===Early history=== {{Main|Taurica}} The earliest inhabitants of whom we have any authentic traces were the [[Cimmerians]], who were expelled by the [[Scythians]] (Iraniags) during the [[7th century BC]]. The remaining Cimmerians that took refuge in the mountains later became known as the [[Tauri]]. According to other historians, the Tauri were known for their savage rituals and piracy, and were also the earliest indigenous peoples of the peninsula. In [[5th century BC]], [[Ancient Greece|Greek]] colonists began to settle along the [[Black Sea]] coast, among those were the Dorians from [[Heraclea Pontica|Heraclea]] who founded a sea port of [[Chersonesos]] outside [[Sevastopol]], and the [[Ionia]]ns from [[Miletus]] who landed at [[Feodosiya]] and [[Panticapaeum]] (also called ''[[Cimmerian Bosporus|Bosporus]]''). [[Image:Chersonez Sewastopol1.jpg|thumb|left|The Greek colony of [[Chersonesos]], [[Sevastopol]].]] Two centuries later (438 BC), the Archon (ruler) of the latter settlers assumed the title of the [[Kings of Cimmerian Bosporus]], a state that maintained close relations with [[Athens]], supplying the city with wheat, honey and other commodities. The last of that line of kings, Paerisades V, being hard-pressed by the Scythians, put himself under the protection of [[Mithridates VI of Pontus|Mithridates VI]], the king of [[Pontus]], in 114 BC. After the death of this sovereign, his son, [[Pharnaces II of Pontus|Pharnaces II]], was invested by [[Pompey]] with the kingdom of [[Cimmerian Bosporus|Bosporus]] in 63 BC as a reward for the assistance rendered to the [[Roman Republic|Romans]] in their war against his father. In 15 BC, it was once again restored to the king of Pontus, but since ranked as a tributary state of [[Rome]]. Throughout the later centuries, Crimea was invaded or occupied successively by the [[Crimean Goths|Goths]] (AD 250), the [[Huns]] (376), the [[Bulgars]] 4th-8th century), the [[Khazars]] (8th century), the state of [[Kievan Rus']] (10th–11th centuries), the [[Byzantine Empire]] (1016), the [[Kipchaks]] (the Kumans) (1050), and the [[Mongols]] (1237). In the mid-10th century, the eastern area of Crimea was conquered by Prince [[Sviatoslav I of Kiev]] and became part of the Kievan Rus' principality of [[Tmutarakan]]. In 988, Prince [[Vladimir I of Kiev]] also captured the Byzantine town of [[Chersones]] (presently part of ''Sevastopol'') where he later converted to [[Christianity]]. An impressive [[Russian Orthodox Church|Russian Orthodox]] cathedral marks the location of this historic event. In the 13th century, the [[Republic of Genoa]] seized the settlements which their rivals, the [[Venice|Venetians]], had built along the Crimean coast and established themselves at [[Balaklava|Cembalo]], [[Sudak|Soldaia]], [[Kerch|Cherco]] and [[Feodosiya#Caffa|Caffa]], gaining control of the Crimean economy and the Black Sea commerce for two centuries. ===Crimean Khanate: 1441-1783=== {{Main|Crimean Khanate}} [[Image:Hansaray.jpg|thumb|left|200px|The [[Bakhchisaray Palace|Hansaray]], succession home of the [[List of Crimean khans|Crimean Khans]], in [[Bakhchisaray]].]] A number of [[Turkic peoples]], now collectively known as the [[Crimean Tatars]], have been inhabiting the peninsula since the early [[Middle Ages]]. The ethnicity of the Crimean Tatars is quite complex as it absorbed both nomadic Turkic and European components (in the first place, the [[Crimean Goths|Goths]] and the [[Genoa|Genoese]]) which is still reflected in their appearance and language differences. A small enclave of the [[Crimean Karaites|Karaims]], possibly of Khazar (i.e. Turkic) descent but members of a Jewish sect, was founded in the 8th century. It existed among the Muslim Crimean Tatars, primarily in the mountainous [[Çufut Qale]] area. After the destruction of the [[Golden Horde]] by [[Timur]] in 1441, the Crimean Tatars founded an independent [[Crimean Khanate]] under [[Hacı I Giray]], a descendant of [[Genghis Khan]]. He and his successors reigned first at [[Çufut Qale|Qırq Yer]], and from the beginning of the 15th century, at [[Bakhchisaray]].<ref>[http://www.allempires.com/article/index.php?q=The_Crimean_Khanate The Tatar Khanate of Crimea]</ref> The Crimean Tatars controlled the steppes that stretched from the [[Kuban]] and to the [[Dniester River]], however, they were unable to take control over commercial [[Genoa|Genoese]] towns. After the Crimean Tatars asked for help from the [[Ottoman Empire|Ottomans]], an Ottoman invasion of the Genoese towns led by [[Gedik Ahmed Pasha]] in 1475 brought [[Feodosiya|Kaffa]] and the other trading towns under their control.<ref name="subtelny/p.78">{{cite book | title=Ukraine: A History | author=[[Orest Subtelny|Subtelny, Orest]] | publisher=[[University of Toronto Press]] | year=2000 | id=ISBN 0-8020-8390-0 | pages= 78}}</ref> After the capture of Genoese towns, the Ottoman Sultan held [[Meñli I Giray]] captive,<ref>[http://www.avalanchepress.com/Soldier_Khan.php Soldier Khan]</ref> later releasing him in return for accepting Ottoman sovereignty above the Crimean Khans and allowing them rule as tributary princes of the Ottoman Empire.<ref name="subtelny/p.78">{{cite book | title=Ukraine: A History | author=[[Orest Subtelny|Subtelny, Orest]] | publisher=[[University of Toronto Press]] | year=2000 | id=ISBN 0-8020-8390-0 | pages= 78}}</ref><ref name="blacksea-crimea/hist">{{cite web|url=http://www.blacksea-crimea.com/history1.html |title=History |accessdate= |accessmonthday=[[March 28]] |accessyear=[[2007]] |work=blacksea-crimea.com|language=English}}</ref> However, the Crimean Khans still had a large amount of autonomy from the Ottoman Empire, particularly, followed the rules they thought were best for them: Crimean Tatars introduced raids into Ukrainian lands, which were used to get slaves to be sold on markets.<ref name="subtelny/p.78">{{cite book | title=Ukraine: A History | author=[[Orest Subtelny|Subtelny, Orest]] | publisher=[[University of Toronto Press]] | year=2000 | id=ISBN 0-8020-8390-0 | pages= 78}}</ref> In 1553–1554, [[Cossack]] [[Hetman]] [[Dmytro Vyshnevetsky]] gathered together groups of Cossacks, and constructed a fort designed to obstruct Tatar raids into Ukraine. With this action, he founded the [[Zaporozhian Sich]], with which he would launch a series of attacks on the Crimea peninsula and the [[Ottoman Turks]].<ref>Subtelny, 109.</ref> In 1774, The Crimean Khans fell under Russian influence with the [[Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca]].<ref name="Subtelny/p.176">Subelny, 176.</ref> In 1783, the entire Crimea was annexed by the [[Russian Empire]].<ref name="subtelny/p.176">Subelny, 176.</ref> ===Russian Empire and Civil War: 1783-1922=== [[Image:Swallow's Nest (Crimea) 2007.JPG|thumb|''[[Swallow's Nest (Crimea)|Swallow's Nest]]'', a symbol of Crimea, one of the best-known, romantic castles near [[Yalta]]. It was built in 1912 in the [[Gothic Revival architecture|Neo-Gothic]] style by the order of the German Baron Stengel. It was designed by Russian architect A. Sherwood.]] The [[Crimean War]] (1853–1856) devastated much of the economic and social infrastructure of Crimea. The [[Crimean Tatars]] had to flee from their homeland ''en masse'', forced by the conditions created by the war, persecution and land expropriations. Those who survived the trip, famine and disease, resettled in [[Dobruja]], [[Anatolia]], and other parts of the [[Ottoman Empire]]. For the first time in their history, Crimean Tatars became a minority in their own land, with the majority spread out as a [[Crimean Tatar diaspora|diaspora]]. Finally, the Russian government decided to stop the process, as the agriculture began to suffer due to the unattended fertile farmland. During the [[Russian Civil War]], Crimea was a stronghold of the anti-Bolshevik [[White movement|White Army]], including the [[Crimean People's Republic]]. It was in Crimea that the White Russians led by [[Pyotr Nikolayevich Wrangel|General Wrangel]] made their last stand against [[Nestor Makhno]] and the [[Red Army]] in 1920. After the resistance was crushed, many of the anti-Communist fighters and civilians had to board the ships and escape to [[Istanbul]]. ===Soviet Union: 1922-1991=== On [[October 18]], [[1921]], the [[Crimean Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic]] was created as part of the [[Russian SFSR]].<ref name="blacksea-crimea/hist">{{cite web|url=http://www.blacksea-crimea.com/history1.html |title=History |accessdate= |accessmonthday=[[March 28]] |accessyear=[[2007]] |work=blacksea-crimea.com|language=English}}</ref> However, the establishment of the Crimean ASSR did not fully protect the Crimean Tatars from [[Joseph Stalin]]'s repressions of the 1930s.<ref name="blacksea-crimea/hist">{{cite web|url=http://www.blacksea-crimea.com/history1.html |title=History |accessdate= |accessmonthday=[[March 28]] |accessyear=[[2007]] |work=blacksea-crimea.com|language=English}}</ref> The Tatars constituted about 25% of the Crimean population.<ref>[http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/world/A0857627.html Crimea: History]</ref> The [[Greeks]] were another cultural group that suffered. Their lands were lost during the process of [[Collective farming|collectivisation]], in which farmers were not compensated with wages. Schools which taught [[Greek language|Greek]] were closed and [[Greek literature]] was destroyed, because the Soviets considered the Greeks as "counter-revolutionary" with their links to [[capitalism| capitalist]] state [[Greece]], and their independent culture.<ref name="blacksea-crimea/hist">{{cite web|url=http://www.blacksea-crimea.com/history1.html |title=History |accessdate= |accessmonthday=[[March 28]] |accessyear=[[2007]] |work=blacksea-crimea.com|language=English}}</ref> Crimea experienced two severe [[famines]] in the 20th century, the [[Russian famine of 1921|Famine of 1921-1922]] and the [[Holodomor]] of 1932-1933.<ref>[http://www.iccrimea.org/historical/famine1931.html Famine in Crimea]</ref> During [[World War II]], Crimea was a scene of some of the bloodiest battles. The leaders of the [[Nazi Germany|Third Reich]] were anxious to conquer and colonize the fertile and beautiful peninsula as part of their policy of resettling the Germans in Eastern Europe at the expense of the Slavs. The Germans suffered heavy casualties in the summer of 1941 as they tried to advance through the narrow [[Isthmus of Perekop]] linking Crimea to the Soviet mainland. Once the German army broke through ([[Battle of the Kerch Peninsula|Operation Trappenjagd]]), they occupied most of Crimea, with the exception of the city of [[Sevastopol]], which was later awarded the honorary title of [[Hero City]] after the war. [[Image:Yalta summit 1945 with Churchill, Roosevelt, Stalin.jpg|thumb|The "[[Allies of World War II|Big Three]]" at the [[Yalta Conference]], [[Winston Churchill]], [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]] and [[Joseph Stalin]].]] Sevastopol held out from October 1941 until [[July 4]], [[1942]] when the Germans finally captured the city. From [[September 1]], [[1942]], the peninsula was administered as the ''Generalbezirk Krim'' (general district of Crimea) ''und Teilbezirk'' (and sub-district) ''Taurien'' by the Nazi ''Generalkommissar'' [[Alfred Eduard Frauenfeld]] (1898–1977), under the authority of the three consecutive [[Reichskommissar]]e for the entire Ukraine. In spite of heavy-handed tactics by the Nazis and the assistance of the [[Kingdom of Romania|Romanian]] and [[Kingdom of Italy (1861–1946)|Italian]] troops, the Crimean mountains remained an unconquered stronghold of the native resistance (the partisans) until the day when the peninsula was freed from the occupying force. In 1944, Sevastopol came under the control of troops from the [[Soviet Union]]. The so-called "City of Russian Glory" once known for its beautiful architecture was entirely destroyed and had to be rebuilt stone by stone. Due to its enormous historical and symbolic meaning for the Russians, it became a priority for Stalin and the Soviet government to have it restored to its former glory within the shortest time possible. On [[May 18]], [[1944]], the entire population of the [[Crimean Tatars]] were [[Involuntary settlements in the Soviet Union#"Punitive" deportations of nationalities in 1943–1944|forcibly deported]] in the [[Sürgün]] (Crimean Tatar for exile) to Central Asia by [[Stalin]]'s [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] government as a form of [[collective punishment]] on the grounds that they had collaborated with the [[Nazism|Nazi]] occupation forces.<ref>Subtelny, 483.</ref> An estimated 46% of the deportees died from hunger and disease. On [[June 26]] of the same year [[Armenians|Armenian]], [[Bulgars|Bulgar]] and [[Greeks|Greek]] population was also deported to Central Asia. By the end of summer [[1944]], the [[ethnic cleansing]] of Crimea was complete. In 1967, the Crimean Tatars were rehabilitated, but they were banned from legally returning to their homeland until the last days of the [[Soviet Union]]. The Crimean Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic was abolished in [[June 30]], [[1945]] and transformed into the [[Crimean Oblast]] ([[oblast|province]]) of the [[Russian SFSR]]. On [[February 19]], [[1954]], the oblast was transferred from the [[Russian SFSR]] to the [[Ukrainian SSR]]. As it stated in the [[Supreme Soviet]] Decree, the transfer was caused by close (1) geographic, (2) economic, and (3) cultural ties to the Ukrainian SSR.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.iccrimea.org/historical/crimeatransfer.html |title=The Transfer of Crimea to Ukraine |accessdate= | accessmonthday=[[March 25]] |accessyear=[[2007]] |date= |year=2005 |month=July |format= |work=International Committee for Crimea |language=English }}</ref> In post-war years, Crimea thrived as a prime tourist destination, built with new attractions and sanatoriums for tourists. Tourists came from all around the Soviet Union and neighbouring countries, particularly from the [[German Democratic Republic]].<ref name="blacksea-crimea/hist">{{cite web|url=http://www.blacksea-crimea.com/history1.html |title=History |accessdate= |accessmonthday=[[March 28]] |accessyear=[[2007]] |work=blacksea-crimea.com|language=English}}</ref> Also, Crimea's infrastructure and manufacturing also developed, particularly around the sea ports at [[Kerch]] and [[Sevastopol]] and in the oblast's landlocked capital, [[Simferopol]]. Populations of [[Ukrainians]] and [[Russians]] alike doubled, with more than 1.6 million Russians and 626,000 Ukrainians living on the peninsula by 1989.<ref name="blacksea-crimea/hist">{{cite web|url=http://www.blacksea-crimea.com/history1.html |title=History |accessdate= |accessmonthday=[[March 28]] |accessyear=[[2007]] |work=blacksea-crimea.com|language=English}}</ref> ===Autonomy within independent Ukraine=== [[Image:Sarych (Crimea).jpg|thumb|The [[Russian Navy]]'s [[Sarych|Cape Sarych]] on the northern shore of the [[Black Sea]]]] [[Image:Flag of the Crimean Tatar people.PNG|thumb|Flag of the [[Crimean Tatars]], sporting the traditional [[Tamgha|damğa]]]] With the [[History of the Soviet Union (1985-1991)|collapse of the Soviet Union]], Crimea became part of the newly independent Ukraine, a situation largely unexpected by its population that was ethnically and culturally Russian for the most part. This led to tensions between Russia and Ukraine. With the [[Black Sea Fleet]] based on the peninsula, worries of armed skirmishes were occasionally raised. After the All-Crimean Referendum was conducted on [[January 20]], [[1991]], the [[Crimean Oblast]] was transformed into the [[Crimean Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic|Crimean ASSR]] as part of the [[Ukrainian SSR]] and the city of Sevastopol was granted special government status in the UkSSR.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ukrweekly.com/Archive/1991/499101.shtml |title=Day in history - 20 January |accessdate= | accessmonthday=[[August 6]] |accessyear=[[2007]] |date= |month=[[January 8]] | year= [[2006]] |work=[[RIA Novosti]]|language=Russian }}</ref> When the results came in on the [[Ukrainian independence referendum, 1991|Ukrainian referendum on independence]] on [[December 1]], [[1991]], it showed that 54.19% of residents from Crimea and 57.07% from Sevastopol city voted in favor of Ukrainian independence.<ref>Subtelny, 585.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ukrweekly.com/Archive/1991/499101.shtml |title= Ukraine's vote for freedom |accessdate= | accessmonthday=[[March 25]] |accessyear=[[2007]] |author= |last=Lalpychak |first=Chrystyna |date= |month=[[December 8]] | year= [[1991]] |work=[[The Ukrainian Weekly]]|language=English }}</ref> Based on the resolution of the [[Verkhovna Rada of Crimea]] on [[February 26]], [[1992]], the Crimean ASSR was renamed into the Republic of Crimea. Crimea later proclaimed self-government on [[May 5]], [[1992]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://taylorandfrancis.metapress.com/openurl.asp?genre=article&issn=1359-7566&volume=12&issue=2&spage=65 |title= Catching up with 'Europe'? Constitutional Debates on the Territorial-Administrative Model in Independent Ukraine |accessdate= | accessmonthday=[[December 16]] |accessyear=[[2006]] |author= |last=Wolczuk |first=Kataryna | date= |month=[[August 31]] | year= [[2004]] |work=Taylor & Francis Group |language=English }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.springerlink.com/content/b3e4b28e1301017b/ |title= The Crimea Conundrum: The Tug of War Between Russia and Ukraine on the Questions of Autonomy and Self-Determination |accessdate= | accessmonthday=[[March 25]] |accessyear=[[2007]] |author= |last=Wydra |first=Doris | date= |month=[[November 11]] | year= [[2004]] |work=SpringerLink |language=English }}</ref> On the next day, the first Crimean constitution was put into effect. On [[May 19]], Crimea agreed to remain as part of Ukraine and its Verkhovna Rada of Crimea annulled their proclamation of self-government. On [[June 30]], Crimean Communists had forced the [[Kiev]] government to expand on the already extensive autonomous status of Crimea.<ref>Subtelny, 587.</ref> In the same period, Russian president [[Boris Yeltsin]] and Ukraine's [[Leonid Kravchuk]] agreed to divide the former [[Soviet Black Sea Fleet]] between Russia and the newly-formed [[Ukrainian Navy]].<ref>[http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,975773,00.html Ready To Cast Off], ''[[TIME Magazine]]'', June 15, 1992</ref> On [[October 14]], [[1993]], the Crimean Government introduced the post of the [[President of Crimea]], a short-lived post that was later removed. During the second round of voting in the Crimean presidential election held on [[January 30]], [[1994]], the pro-[[Russia]]n [[Yuriy Meshkov]] was announced the winner of the election. After a long conflict between the Verkhovna Rada of Crimea and the rada's chairmen, the rights of the President of Crimea were annulled on [[September 7]] of the same year. On [[September 11]], President Meshkov disbands the Crimean Parliament and announces his control over Crimea. After amendments to the Constitution of Crimea, the conflict slowly eased off. On [[March 17]], [[1995]], the [[Verkhovna Rada|Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine]] scraps the Crimean Constitution and removes the post of President of Crimea.<ref>{{Cite Ukrainian law|type=[[Verkhovna Rada|Verkhovna Rada law]]|number=93/95-вр|law=92%2F95%2D%E2%F0|name=On the termination of the Constitution and some laws of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea|date=1995-03-17}}</ref> With the removal of the post, Yuriy Meshkov became the first and only President of Crimea. On [[April 4]], [[1996]], a new constitution was put into effect. On [[December 23]], [[1998]], the currently existing constitution was put into effect along with the name change from the Republic of Crimea to the Autonomous Republic of Crimea. Following the ratification of the May 1997 Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, and Partnership on friendship and division of the [[Black Sea Fleet]], international tensions have slowly eased off. With the treaty, [[Moscow]] recognized Ukraine's borders and territorial integrity, and accepted Ukraine's sovereignty over Crimea and Sevastopol.<ref name="subtelny/p.600">Subtelny, 600.</ref> In a separate agreement, Russia was to receive 80% of the Black Sea Fleet and use of the military facilities in Sevastopol on a 20-year [[lease]].<ref name="subtelny/p.600">Subtelny, 600.</ref> However, other controversies between Ukraine and Russia still remain, including the ownership of a [[lighthouse]] on [[Sarych|Cape Sarych]]. Because the [[Russian Navy]] controlled 77 geographical objects on the south Crimean Shore, the [[Sevastopol]] Government Court ordered the vacation of the objects, which the Russian military did not carry out.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zakrytazona.tv/ua/programs/pershiy-viddil/teksti/service/ukrayintsyam-vhid-zaboroneno/ |title=Access to Ukrainians is prohibited.. |accessdate= |accessmonthday=February 24 |accessyear=2007 |work=Zakryta Zona |language=Ukrainian }}</ref> Since [[August 3]], [[2005]], the lighthouse is controlled by the [[Russian Army]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cpcfpu.org.ua/projects/foreignpolicy/headlines/security/internal/2302/ |title=The owner of the "sarych" lighthouse came back with a blank document to the President of Ukraine |accessdate= |accessmonthday=February 24 |accessyear=2007 |work=CPCFPU |language=Ukrainian}}</ref> Through the years, there have been various attempts of returning Cape Sarych to Ukrainian territory, all of which were unsuccessful. In 2006, [[Crimean anti-NATO protests of 2006|protests broke out]] on the peninsula after [[United States Marine Corps|U.S. Marines]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/european_football/article1083290.ece |title= Anti-Nato protests threaten eastward expansion |accessdate= | accessmonthday=[[March 25]] |accessyear=[[2007]] |author= |last=Page |first=Jeremy |date=[[June 08]] |year=[[2006]] |month= |work=[[The Times|The Times Online]] |language=English }}</ref> arrived to the Crimean city of [[Feodosiya]] to take part in the Sea Breeze 2006 [[Ukraine]]-[[NATO]] [[military exercise]]. Protesters greeted the marines with barricades and slogans bearing "Occupiers go home!", and a couple days later, the [[Verkhovna Rada of Crimea|Crimean parliament]] declared Crimea a "NATO-free territory". After several days of protest, the U.S. Marines withdrew from the peninsula.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://euronews.net/create_html.php?page=detail_info&article=362919&lng=1 |title=Tensions rise in Crimea over NATO |accessdate= | accessmonthday=[[March 25]] |accessyear=[[2007]] |date= |year=[[2006]] |month=[[June 7]] |work=[[EuroNews]] |language=English }}</ref> ====Return of Crimean Tatars==== {{associated main|Crimean Tatars}} {{see also|Racism and discrimination in Ukraine#Discrimination against Tatars}} Another center of conflict on the peninsula is regarding land ownership. Since the Crimean Tatars were forcibly deported from their homeland in May 1944, other people, particularly [[Russians]], settled the peninsula and took control of the lands formerly belonging to the Crimean Tatars. After the fall of the Soviet Union, Crimean Tatars were allowed to return to Crimea, but conflict arose when they demanded the return of land seized after their deportation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/detaylar.do?load=detay&link=106815 |title=Tatars push to regain their historic lands in Crimea |accessdate= | accessmonthday=[[March 31]] |accessyear=[[2007]] |date= |year=[[2006]] |month=[[March 31]] |work=Today's Zaman |language=English }}</ref> ==Government and politics== [[Image:Massandra Back.JPG|thumb|The [[Massandra|Massandra Palace]] near [[Yalta]] is one of the official residences of [[Ukraine]].]] Crimea is a [[parliamentary republic]] that has no [[president]]. The legislative body is a 100-seat parliament, the [[Verkhovna Rada of Crimea]].<ref>The [[Verkhovna Rada of Crimea]] should not be confused with the national [[Verkhovna Rada|Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine]].</ref> The executive power is represented by the [[Council of Ministers of Crimea|Council of Ministers]], headed by a [[Prime Minister of Crimea|Prime Minister]] who is appointed and dismissed by the Verkhovna Rada, with the consent of the [[President of Ukraine]].<ref name="CMU">{{cite web|url=http://www.kmu.gov.ua/control/en/publish/printable_article?art_id=301361 |title=Autonomous Republic of Crimea - Information card |accessdate= | accessmonthday=[[February 22]] |accessyear=[[2007]] |work=[[Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine]] |language=English }}</ref> The authority and operation of the Verkhovna Rada and the Council of Ministers of Crimea are determined by the [[Constitution of Ukraine]] and other the laws of Ukraine, as well as by regular decisions carried out by the Verkhovna Rada of Crimea.<ref name="CMU">{{cite web|url=http://www.kmu.gov.ua/control/en/publish/printable_article?art_id=301361 |title=Autonomous Republic of Crimea - Information card |accessdate= | accessmonthday=[[February 22]] |accessyear=[[2007]] |work=[[Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine]] |language=English }}</ref> Justice is administered by courts that belong to the [[Judicial system of Ukraine]].<ref name="CMU">{{cite web|url=http://www.kmu.gov.ua/control/en/publish/printable_article?art_id=301361 |title=Autonomous Republic of Crimea - Information card |accessdate= | accessmonthday=[[February 22]] |accessyear=[[2007]] |work=[[Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine]] |language=English }}</ref> ===Elections and parties=== While not an official body controlling Crimea, the [[Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People]] is a representative body of the Crimean Tatars, which could address grievances to the [[Verkhovna Rada|Ukrainian central]] government, the [[Verkhovna Rada of Crimea|Crimean government]], and international bodies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0220/p09s02-coop.html |title= A lesson in stifling violent extremism |accessdate= | accessmonthday=[[March 26]] |accessyear=[[2007]] |author= |last=Ziad |first=Waleed | coauthors=Laryssa Chomiak | date= |month=[[February 20]] | year= [[2007]] |work=CS Monitor |language=English }}</ref> During the [[Ukrainian presidential election, 2004|2004 presidential elections]], Crimea largely voted for the presidential candidate [[Viktor Yanukovych]]. In both the [[Ukrainian parliamentary election, 2006|2006 Ukrainian parliamentary elections]] and the [[Ukrainian parliamentary election, 2007|2007 Ukrainian parliamentary elections]], the Yanukovych-led [[Party of Regions]] also won most of the votes from the region. Following the Crimean parliamentary election, 2006, the following political parties are represented in the Verkhovna Rada bloc: "Za Yanukovycha!" ([[Party of Regions]] and the Russian Bloc): 32.55% (44 [[Mandate (politics)|mandate]]s); party "Soiuz": 7.63% (10 mandates); Kunytsyna Electoral Bloc: 7.63% (10 mandates); [[Communist Party of Ukraine]]: 6.55% (9 mandates); [[People's Movement of Ukraine]]: 6.26% (8 mandates); [[Yulia Tymoshenko Electoral Bloc]]: 6.03% (8 mandates); [[People's Opposition Bloc of Natalia Vitrenko]]: 4.97% (7 mandates); [[Opposition Bloc "Ne Tak"]]: 3.09% (4 mandates).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://regnum.ru/news/626150.html |title= Results of the Verkhovna Rada of Crimea elections are accepted |accessdate= | accessmonthday=[[April 28]] |accessyear=[[2007]] | date= |month=[[April 19]] | year= [[2006]] |work=REGNUM |language=Russian }}</ref> ==Administrative divisions== Crimea is subdivided into 25 regions: 14 [[raion]]s ([[district]]s) and 11 city municipalities, officially known as "territories governed by city councils".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gska2.rada.gov.ua:7777/pls/z7502/A005?rdat1=24.02.2007&rf7571=2 |title=Infobox card — Avtonomna Respublika Krym |accessdate= | accessmonthday=February 23 |accessyear=2007 |work=[[Verkhovna Rada|Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine]] |language= Ukrainian}}</ref> Each region consists of [[city]], [[urban-type settlement]] and [[village]] communities. Note that [[Sevastopol|Sevastopol Municipality]], the uncolored region immediately to the west of Bakhchisarayskyi Raion (#1) is one of two special municipalities within Ukraine and is not part of Autonomous Republic of Crimea itself. === Raions === [[Image:Crimea-regions alternative.PNG|375px|right|Subdivisions of Crimea]] {| |- | :1. [[Bakhchisaray raion|Bakhchisarayskyi Raion]] :2. [[Bilohirsk raion|Bilohirskyi Raion]] :3. [[Dzhankoy raion|Dzhankoiskyi Raion]] :4. [[Kirovske raion|Kirovskyi Raion]] :5. [[Krasnohvardiyske raion|Krasnohvardiyskyi Raion]] :6. [[Krasnoperekopsk raion|Krasnoperekopskyi Raion]] :7. [[Lenine raion|Leninskyi Raion]] | :8. [[Nizhnohirskyi raion|Nizhnohirskyi Raion]] :9. [[Pervomayske raion|Pervomaiskyi Raion]] :10. [[Rozdolne raion|Rozdolnenskyi Raion]] :11. [[Saky raion|Sakskyi Raion]] :12. [[Simferopol raion|Simferopolskyi Raion]] :13. [[Sovetskyi raion|Sovetskyi Raion]] :14. [[Chornomorske raion|Chornomorskyi Raion]] |} ===City municipalities=== {| |- | :15. [[Alushta municipality]] :16. [[Armyansk municipality]] :17. [[Dzhankoy municipality]] :18. [[Eupatoria municipality]] :19. [[Kerch municipality]] :20. [[Krasnoperekopsk municipality]] | :21. [[Saky municipality]] :22. [[Simferopol municipality]] :23. [[Sudak municipality]] :24. [[Feodosiya municipality]] :25. [[Yalta municipality]] |} ===Major cities=== {| |- | * [[Image:Simferopol-COA.gif|15px]] [[Simferopol]]: capital * [[Image:Sevastopol gerb1.gif|15px]] [[Sevastopol]]: [[Hero City]], [[Black Sea Fleet]] base (administratively separate) * [[Image:Kerch-COA.png|15px]] [[Kerch]]:[[Hero City]], important industrial, transport and tourist centre * [[Image:Evpato s.gif|15px]] [[Eupatoria]]: major port, a rail hub, and resort city * [[Image:Feodos Soviet.gif|15px]] [[Feodosiya]]: port and resort city | * [[Image:Yalta-arms.gif|15px]] [[Yalta]]: one of the most important resorts in Crimea * [[Image:Dzhankoy-COA.gif|15px]] [[Dzhankoy]]: imporant railroad connection * [[Image:Sin escudo.svg|15px]] [[Bakhchisaray]]: historical capital of the [[Crimean Khanate]] * [[Image:Krasnoperekopsk-COA.gif|15px]] [[Krasnoperekopsk]]: industrial city * [[Image:Coat of Arms of Alushta.png|15px]] [[Alushta]]: resort city |} ==Geography== [[Image:Crimeamap.png|thumb|Map of Crimea with major cities.]] [[Image:Krimi.jpg|thumb|Koktebel]] Crimea is located on the northern coast of the [[Black Sea]] and on the western coast of the [[Sea of Azov]], bordering [[Kherson Oblast]] from the North. Although located in southwestern part of the Crimean peninsula, the city of [[Sevastopol]] has a special but separate [[Administrative divisions of Ukraine#Municipalities|municipality status]] within [[Ukraine]]. Crimea's total land area is 26,100 [[kilometre|km²]] (10,038 [[Square mile|sq mi]]). Crimea is connected to the mainland by the 5–7 kilometre (3–4 mile) wide [[Isthmus of Perekop]]. At the eastern tip is the [[Kerch Peninsula]], which is directly opposite the [[Taman Peninsula]] on the Russian mainland. Between the Kerch and Taman peninsulas, lies the 3–13 km (2–9 mi) wide [[Strait of Kerch]], which connects the waters of the Black Sea with the Sea of Azov. The Crimean coastline is broken by several bays and harbors. These harbors lie west of the [[Isthmus of Perekop]] by the [[Bay of Karkinit]]; on the southwest by the open [[Bay of Kalamita]], with the ports of [[Eupatoria]] and [[Sevastopol]]; on the north by the [[Bay of Arabat]] of the [[Isthmus of Yenikale]] or [[Kerch]]; and on the south by the [[Bay of Caffa]] or [[Feodosiya]], with the port of Feodosiya. [[Image:Crimean Mountains (Balaklava).jpg|thumb|left|225px|Green mountains abruptly fall into the [[Black Sea]] near [[Balaklava]].]] The southeast coast is flanked at a distance of 8–12 km (5–8 mi) from the sea by a parallel range of mountains, the [[Crimean Mountains]].<ref> The [[Crimean Mountains]] may also be referred to as the Yaylâ Dağ or Alpine Meadow Mountains.</ref> These mountains are backed by secondary parallel ranges. Seventy-five percent of the remaining area of Crimea consists of semiarid [[prairie]] lands, a southward continuation of the [[Pontic steppes]], which slope gently to the northwest from the foot of the Crimean Mountains. The main range of these mountains shoots up with extraordinary abruptness from the deep floor of the [[Black Sea]] to an altitude of 600–750 metres (2,000–2,500 feet), beginning at the southwest point of the [[peninsula]], called [[Cape Fiolente]]. It was believed that this cape was supposedly crowned with the temple of [[Artemis]], where [[Iphigeneia]] is said to have officiated as priestess.<ref>See the article "Crimea" in the [[Encyclopædia Britannica Eleventh Edition]].</ref> [[Image:Crimea.Yayla.Cliff-2.jpg|thumb|The [[Crimean Mountains]] near the city of [[Alushta]].]] Numerous [[kurgan]]s, or [[burial mound]]s, of the ancient [[Scythia]]ns are scattered across the Crimean steppes. The terrain that lies beyond the sheltering Crimean Mountain range is of an altogether different character. Here, the narrow strip of coast and the slopes of the mountains are smothered with greenery. This "riviera" stretches along the southeast coast from [[Cape Sarych]], in the extreme south, to Feodosiya, and is studded with summer sea-bathing resorts such as [[Alupka]], [[Yalta]], [[Gurzuf]], [[Alushta]], [[Sudak]], and [[Feodosiya]]. During the years of [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] rule, the resorts and [[dacha]]s of this coast served as the prime perquisites of the politically loyal. In addition, vineyards and fruit orchards are located in the region. Fishing, mining, and the production of essential oils are also important. Numerous [[Crimean Tatar]] villages, [[mosque]]s, [[monastery|monasteries]], and [[palace]]s of the Russian imperial family and nobles are found here, as well as picturesque ancient Greek and medieval castles. ===Places of Interest=== *[[Swallow's Nest (Crimea)|Swallow's Nest]] *[[Livadia Palace]] *[[Skifske zoloto|Scyth's treasure]] *[[Mount Mithridat]] *[[Alupka palace-park state preserve]] *[[Panorama defense of Sevastopol (1854-1855)]] *[[Chersonesos|Chersones Tavriysky]] ==Economy== The main branches of the Crimean economy are tourism and agriculture. Industrial plants are situated for the most part in the northern regions of the republic. Important industrial cities include [[Dzhankoy]], housing a major railway connection, and [[Krasnoperekopsk]], among others. The most important industries in Crimea include, food production, chemical fields, mechanical engineering and metal working, and fuel production industries.<ref name="CMU">{{cite web|url=http://www.kmu.gov.ua/control/en/publish/printable_article?art_id=301361 |title=Autonomous Republic of Crimea - Information card |accessdate= | accessmonthday=[[February 22]] |accessyear=[[2007]] |work=[[Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine]] |language=English }}</ref> Sixty percent of the industry market belongs to food production. There are a total of 291 large industrial enterprises and 1002 small business enterprises.<ref name="CMU">{{cite web|url=http://www.kmu.gov.ua/control/en/publish/printable_article?art_id=301361 |title=Autonomous Republic of Crimea - Information card |accessdate= | accessmonthday=[[February 22]] |accessyear=[[2007]] |work=[[Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine]] |language=English }}</ref> The main branches of vegetation production in the region include [[cereal]]s, vegetable-growing, gardening, and [[Ukrainian wine|wine-making]], particularly in the [[Yalta]] and [[Massandra]] regions. Other agricultural forms include cattle breeding, poultry keeping, and sheep breeding.<ref name="CMU">{{cite web|url=http://www.kmu.gov.ua/control/en/publish/printable_article?art_id=301361 |title=Autonomous Republic of Crimea - Information card |accessdate= | accessmonthday=[[February 22]] |accessyear=[[2007]] |work=[[Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine]] |language=English }}</ref> Other products produced on the Crimea Peninsula include [[salt]], [[Porphyry (geology)|porphyry]], [[limestone]], and [[ironstone]] (found around [[Kerch]]).<ref>{{cite book | title=[[Encyclopædia Britannica Eleventh Edition]] | author=Bealby, John T. | publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]] | year=1911 | id= | pages= 449}}</ref> ==Transport== [[Image:Skoda-9Tr no.7702 in Simferopol, Ukraine.jpg|thumb|The [[Škoda Works|Škoda]]-9Tr no.7702 trolleybus from the [[Crimean Trolleybus]] line.]] Almost every settlement in Crimea is connected with another settlement with bus lines. Crimea contains the longest (96 km or 59 mi) [[Crimean Trolleybus|trolleybus route]] in the world, stretching from Simferopol to Yalta.<ref name="Crimea">{{cite web|url=http://www.blacksea-crimea.com/Places/trolleybuses.html |title=The longest trolleybus line in the world! |accessdate= |accessmonthday=[[January 15]] |accessyear=[[2007]] |work=blacksea-crimea.com |language=English}}</ref> The trolleybus line starts in near [[Simferopol|Simferopol's Railway Station]] through the mountains to [[Alushta]] and on to [[Yalta]]. The cities of Yalta, [[Feodosiya]], [[Kerch]], [[Sevastopol]], Chornomorske, and [[Eupatoria]] are connected to one another by sea routes. In the cities of Eupatoria and nearby [[urban-type settlement|townlet]] Molochnoye are [[tram]] systems. [[Railroad]] lines running through Crimea include [[Armyansk]]—Kerch (with a link to Feodosiya), and [[Melitopol]]—Sevastopol (with a link to Eupatoria), connecting Crimea to the Ukrainian mainland. ==Demographics== {{Crimean Tatars}} As of 2005, the total population of Crimea is 1,994,300. From 1989 to 2001, Crimea's population declined by 396,795 people, representing 16.33% of the 1989 population, despite the return of displaced groups such as [[Crimean Tatars]]. From 2001-2005 the population declined by another 39,400 people, representing a decline from 2001 of another 2%. According to [[Ukrainian Census (2001)|2001 Ukrainian Census]], the population of Crimea was 2,033,700.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ukrcensus.gov.ua/eng/regions/reg_crym/ |title= Regions of Ukraine / Autonomous Republic of Crimea |accessdate= |accessmonthday=[[December 16]] |accessyear=[[2006]] |work=[[Ukrainian Census (2001)|2001 Ukrainian Census]] |language=English}}</ref> The nationality structure was comprised the following self-reported ethnic groups: [[Russians]]: 58.32%; [[Ukrainians]]: 24.32%; [[Crimean Tatars]]: 12.1%; [[Belarusians]]: 1.44%; [[Tatars]]: 0.54%; [[Armenians]]: 0.43%; and [[Jews]]: 0.22%.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ukrcensus.gov.ua/eng/results/general/nationality/ |title= Results / General results of the census / National composition of population |accessdate= |accessmonthday=[[December 16]] |accessyear=[[2006]] |work=[[Ukrainian Census (2001)|2001 Ukrainian Census]] |language=English}}</ref> Other minorities are [[Black Sea Germans]], [[Roma people]], [[Bulgarians]], [[Poles]], [[Azerbaijanis]], [[Koreans]] and [[Greeks]]. [[Ukrainian language]] is the single [[official state language]] countrywide, and is the sole language of government in Ukraine. In Crimea government business is still carried out mainly in [[Russian language|Russian]]. Attempts to [[Ukrainization|expand the usage of Ukrainian]] in education and government affairs has been less successful in Crimea than in other areas of the nation. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www2.pravda.com.ua/en/news/2007/3/3/7209.htm |title= Yushchenko Appeals to Crimean Authority Not to Speculate on Language |accessdate= | accessmonthday=March 25 |accessyear=2007 |author= |last=Bondaruk |first=Halyna |date= |year=[[2007]] |month=[[March 3]] |work=[[Ukrayinska Pravda]] |language=English }}</ref> Another language widely spoken is [[Crimean Tatar language|Crimean Tatar]]. According to the census mentioned, 77% of Crimean inhabitants named Russian as their mother tongue; 11.4% – Crimean Tatar; and 10.1% – Ukrainian.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ukrcensus.gov.ua/eng/results/general/language/Crimea/ |title= Results / General results of the census / Linguistic composition of the population / Autonomous Republic of Crimea |accessdate= |accessmonthday=[[December 16]] |accessyear=[[2006]] |work=[[Ukrainian Census (2001)|2001 Ukrainian Census]] |language=English}}</ref> Currently 2/3 of the migrants into Crimea are from Ukraine, every 5th is from the former Soviet Union and every 40th from outside of the former Soviet Union. 3/4 of those leaving Crimea move to other areas in Ukraine. Every 20th migrates to the West<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ukrcensus.gov.ua/eng/results/general/language/Crimea/ |title= Results / General results of the census / Linguistic composition of the population / Autonomous Republic of Crimea |accessdate= |accessmonthday=[[December 16]] |accessyear=[[2006]] |work=[[Ukrainian Census (2001)|2001 Ukrainian Census]] |language=English}}</ref>.     ===Predictions=== The population of the Crimean peninsula has been consistеntly falling at a rate of 0.4% per year<ref>[http://www.crimea-portal.gov.ua/index.php?v=9&tek=16&par=9&art=843&date= Falling Population growth rate in Crimea (in Ukrainian)]</ref>. This is particularly apparent in both the Russian and Ukrainian ethnic populations, whose growth rate has been falling at the rate of 0.6% and 0.12% annually respectively. In comparison, the overall growth rate of the ethnic Crimean Tatar population has been growing at the rate of 0.9% per annum<ref>[http://www.crimea-portal.gov.ua/index.php?v=9&tek=17&par=9&art=25&date=m Population growth in Crimea (in Ukrainian)]</ref>. The growing trend in the Crimean Tatar population has been explained by the continual Crimean Tatar repatriation (mainly [[Uzbekistan]]), the high birth rate amongst the resettlers, and the low death rate as few senior citizens have resettled back into their ancestral home. {{Demographics of Europe}} ==See also== * [[Black Sea Fleet]] * [[Artek (camp)|Artek]] * [[Seven Wonders of Ukraine]] <!--Doesn't exist yet:[[Koktebel Jazz Festival]]--> {{Crimea topics}} ==Footnotes and references== {{reflist|2}} <div class="references-small"> * {{cite book | title=Ukraine: A History | author=[[Orest Subtelny|Subtelny, Orest]] | publisher=[[University of Toronto Press]] | year=2000 | id=ISBN 0-8020-8390-0 | pages= 78}} * {{cite web|url=http://www.kmu.gov.ua/control/en/publish/printable_article?art_id=301361 |title=Autonomous Republic of Crimea - Information card |accessdate= | accessmonthday=[[February 22]] |accessyear=[[2007]] |work=[[Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine]] |language=English }} * {{1911}} </div> ==External links== {{sisterlinks|Crimea}} {{Portal|Crimea|Flag of Crimea.svg}} <div class="references-small"> '''Official links''' * [http://www.crimea-portal.gov.ua crimea-portal.gov.ua] — Official portal of the Council of Ministers of Crimea {{en icon}}/{{uk icon}}/{{ru icon}}/{{fr icon}} * [http://www.rada.crimea.ua/ rada.crimea.ua] — Official web-site of the Verkhovna Rada of Crimea '''Informational links''' * [http://www.kmu.gov.ua/control/en/publish/printable_article?art_id=301361 Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine] — Information card of the region * [http://wikitravel.org/en/Crimea WikiTravel] — Guide to Crimea * {{wikiatlas|Crimea}} * [http://www.undp.crimea.ua/eng/links/ United Nations Crimea Integration and Development Programme] * [http://www.holidaysincrimea.com Crimea Tourism] * [http://uamaps.com/ukraine-map/krym/ Maps of all Crimea cities, towns and villages] * [http://www.iccrimea.org/images/harita.jpg Old map of Crimea] * [http://kpblm.info/map_of_crimea.html Detailed Map of Crimea] </div> {{Template group |title = Geographic locale |list = {{Subdivisions of Crimea}} {{Administrative divisions of Ukraine}} }} {{Template group |title = International membership |list = {{Non-sovereign territories of Europe}} }} <!--Categories--> [[Category:Crimea| ]] [[Category:Autonomous republics]] [[Category:Russian-speaking countries and territories]] {{Link FA|sv}} <!--Other languages--> [[ar:القرم (شبه جزيرة)]] [[az:Krım]] [[be:Аўтаномная рэспубліка Крым]] [[bg:Крим]] [[ca:Crimea]] [[cs:Krym]] [[da:Krim]] [[de:Krim]] [[et:Krimm]] [[es:Crimea]] [[eo:Krimeo]] [[eu:Krimea]] [[fr:Crimée]] [[ga:An Chrimé]] [[gl:Crimea]] [[ko:크림 공화국]] [[id:Republik Otonomi Krimea]] [[os:Хъырым]] [[it:Crimea]] [[he:חצי האי קרים]] [[ka:ყირიმი]] [[la:Crimaea]] [[lv:Krimas Autonomā Republika]] [[lt:Krymas]] [[hu:Krím]] [[nl:Krim]] [[ja:クリミア自治共和国]] [[no:Krim]] [[nn:Krimhalvøya]] [[pl:Krym]] [[pt:Criméia]] [[crh:Qırım Muhtar Cumhuriyeti]] [[crh:Qırım]] [[ro:Crimeea]] [[rmy:Krimeya]] [[ru:Крым]] [[sr:Крим]] [[fi:Krim]] [[sv:Krim]] [[tt:Qırım]] [[tr:Kırım]] [[uk:Автономна Республіка Крим]] [[wa:Crimêye]] [[zh:克里米亚]]