Siberia

Who / What

Siberia is an extensive geographical region that covers all of North Asia. The region stretches from the Ural Mountains in the west to the Pacific Ocean in the east and forms part of Russia’s sovereign territory.

Background & History

Siberia’s annexation began with the fall of the Khanate of Sibir in 1582 and concluded with the annexation of Chukotka in 1778. Over the centuries it has been incorporated into Russia and its predecessor states through a lengthy conquest.

Why Notable

Siberia’s vast expanse—over 13.1 million km²—covers about three‑quarters of Russia’s total area. Despite its size, it is sparsely populated, housing roughly one‑quarter of the country’s residents, underscoring its demographic and geographic significance.

In the News

Siberia remains a critical region within Russia, though no specific recent events are mentioned. Its continued relevance stems from its scale, resources, and strategic location.

Key Facts

**Type:** place

**Also known as:** Сибирь (Sibir'), IPA: [sʲɪˈbʲirʲ]

**Founded / Born:** 1582 (fall of the Khanate of Sibir)

**Key dates:** 1582 – fall of the Khanate of Sibir; 1778 – annexation of Chukotka

**Geography:** Russia; region – North Asia; spans from the Ural Mountains to the Pacific Ocean

**Affiliation:** Part of the sovereign territory of Russia and its predecessor states

Links

[Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siberia)

Sources

• 🔗 Wikipedia

Siberia ( sy-BEER-ee-ə; Russian: Сибирь, romanized: Sibir', IPA: [sʲɪˈbʲirʲ] ), is an extensive geographical region comprising all of North Asia, from the Ural Mountains in the west (with the Ural River usually forming the southernmost portion of its western boundary) to the Pacific Ocean in the east. It has formed a part of the sovereign territory of Russia and its predecessor states since the lengthy conquest of Siberia, which began with the fall of the Khanate of Sibir in 1582 and concluded with the annexation of Chukotka in 1778. Siberia is vast and sparsely populated, covering an area of over 13.1 million square kilometres (5,100,000 mi2) – about three-quarters of Russia's total area, but home to roughly a quarter of Russia's population.