Kamchatka is a peninsula in the Russian Far East, lying between the Pacific Ocean to the east and the Sea of Okhotsk to the west. It is bounded by the Bering Strait and Karaginsky Bay to the north, and by Shelikhov Bay and Kamchatka Bay to the south. The peninsula has an area of 472,300 square kilometers (182,460 square miles), making it slightly larger than Italy. It is one of Russia’s most sparsely populated regions, with a population of just over 322,000 people as of 2016.
The Kamchatka Peninsula is home to some of Russia’s most active volcanoes. Over 160 volcanoes have been identified on Kamchatka, 29 of which are active; 7 have erupted in historical time. The highest point on the peninsula is Mount Olympus at 1,509 meters (4,957 feet).
Kamchatka’s climate is harsh continental with long cold winters and short cool summers. Average January temperatures range from -24°C (-11°F) on the coast to -32°C (-26°F) inland; average July temperatures range from +10°C (50°F) on the coast to +5°C (41°F) inland. Precipitation is heavy throughout the year, averaging 860 millimeters (33 inches) annually on the coast and 1120 millimeters (44 inches) inland.
The natural resources of Kamchatka include coal, gold, silver, tin, tungsten, mercury , uranium , timber , fish . Commercial fishing accounts for about 25% of Kamchatka’s GDP . The main catches are salmon , crab , pollock , herring ; other important products are caviar , halibut , flounder . There are also deposits of petroleum and natural gas .
Forestry plays an important role in Kamchatka’s economy—about 60% of its territory is forested . Timber production totaled 2.6 million cubic meters in 2008; however this was down from 11 million cubic meters in 1990 due to decreased demand following collapse of USSR . Today much Of forestry activity consists Of reforestation efforts To Combat soil erosion Caused By previous logging practices As well As TO create New sources OF income For locals through Ecotourism initiatives such AS Bear watching excursions And snowmobile tours Through virgin forests