Anadyr - capital city of the Chukotka Autonomous District

With a population of about 10,000, Anadyr is the largest city in Chukotka. The population has been fluctuating in recent years, as people migrate away from Chukotka in these tough economic times.

It is very much a Soviet city - cement block apartment complexes line the streets like barricades, and the symbols of the Soviet era can still be found here and there. At the same time, the city is struggling to connect itself to the global economy, and has made trade deals with other regions within Russia as well as with foreign countries.

The intersection of Otke and Rultytegina Streets marks the centre of downtown Anadyr. The Arctic climate is brutal on infrastructure, and since the Soviet Union collapsed, there has been even less money to make needed repairs to city streets and sidewalks. Recently there have been some renovation projects underway.

Still, regardless of the city's external appearances, the people are easy-going and friendly, so it is a pleasant place to live.

Anadyr is the seat of government for the region of Chukotka. This is where the new governor, Roman Abramovich (elected December 24, 2000), has his offices.