# Kolyma

> river in Magadan Oblast and Yakutia, Russia

**Wikidata**: [Q78879](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q78879)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kolyma_(river))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kolyma-q78879-2

## Summary
Kolyma is a major river located in Magadan Oblast and Yakutia (Sakha Republic), Russia. It flows through the remote and historically significant Kolyma region in the northern Far East of Siberia, known for its harsh climate and association with the Soviet-era gulag system.

## Key Facts
- **Location:** Flows through Magadan Oblast and Yakutia (Sakha Republic), Russia.
- **Coordinates:** Approximately 62.2919°N, 147.7325°E and 69.5514°N, 161.3642°E.
- **Region:** Part of the larger Kolyma region in northern Siberia, historically linked to the Soviet gulag system.
- **Related Entities:**
  - **Kolyma (region):** A broader area in northern Siberia, known for its extreme conditions and historical significance.
  - **Kolyma Federal Highway (R504):** A major road in Russia connecting Magadan to Yakutsk.
  - **Kolymite:** A rare amalgam mineral associated with the region.
  - **15267 Kolyma:** An asteroid named after the river.
- **Historical Context:** The region was part of the Russian Empire (1721–1917) and later the Soviet Union (1922–1991).
- **Administrative Divisions:**
  - **Magadan Oblast:** Established December 3, 1953.
  - **Sakha Republic (Yakutia):** Established September 27, 1990.
- **Sitelink Count:** 79 (Wikidata).

## FAQs
**Where is the Kolyma River located?**
The Kolyma River is located in Magadan Oblast and Yakutia (Sakha Republic), in the northern Far East of Siberia, Russia. It flows through a remote and historically significant region known for its harsh climate.

**What is the significance of the Kolyma region?**
The Kolyma region is notorious for its association with the Soviet gulag system, where forced labor camps were operated during Stalin’s rule. It remains a symbol of Soviet repression and human suffering.

**What are some entities named after Kolyma?**
Several entities are named after Kolyma, including:
- **15267 Kolyma:** An asteroid.
- **Kolymite:** A rare amalgam mineral.
- **Kolyma Federal Highway (R504):** A major road in Russia.

**What administrative regions does the Kolyma River pass through?**
The river flows through **Magadan Oblast** (established in 1953) and the **Sakha Republic (Yakutia)** (established in 1990), both federal subjects of Russia.

**How is Kolyma connected to Russian history?**
The Kolyma region was part of the **Russian Empire** (1721–1917) and later the **Soviet Union** (1922–1991). It gained infamy during the Soviet era due to its gulag labor camps.

## Why It Matters
The Kolyma River and its surrounding region are historically significant due to their association with the Soviet gulag system, representing a dark chapter in 20th-century history. The area’s extreme climate and remote location made it a site of forced labor and suffering, shaping modern perceptions of Soviet repression. Additionally, the river plays a role in the geography and infrastructure of northeastern Siberia, with the Kolyma Federal Highway serving as a critical transportation link.

## Notable For
- Being a major river in one of the most remote and harsh regions of Siberia.
- Its association with the Soviet gulag system and forced labor camps.
- The **Kolyma Federal Highway (R504)**, a vital road connecting Magadan to Yakutsk.
- The rare mineral **kolymite**, named after the region.
- The asteroid **15267 Kolyma**, named in its honor.
- Flowing through **Magadan Oblast** and **Yakutia**, two key federal subjects of Russia.

## Body

### Geography and Location
The **Kolyma River** is a significant watercourse in **Magadan Oblast** and **Yakutia (Sakha Republic)**, Russia. It flows through the **Kolyma region**, a vast and remote area in the northern Far East of Siberia. The river’s coordinates span approximately **62.2919°N, 147.7325°E** and **69.5514°N, 161.3642°E**, placing it in one of the coldest and most isolated parts of the world.

### Historical and Political Context
The Kolyma region was historically part of the **Russian Empire** (1721–1917) and later the **Soviet Union** (1922–1991). During the Soviet era, the area became infamous for its **gulag labor camps**, where political prisoners and criminals were sent to perform forced labor under extreme conditions. This period left a lasting legacy, making Kolyma a symbol of Soviet repression.

### Administrative Divisions
The river flows through two key federal subjects of Russia:
- **Magadan Oblast:** Established on **December 3, 1953**, this region is known for its mineral resources and harsh climate.
- **Sakha Republic (Yakutia):** Established on **September 27, 1990**, it is the largest subnational governing body by area in the world.

### Related Entities
Several entities are directly or indirectly named after Kolyma:
- **Kolyma Federal Highway (R504):** A major road in Russia, also known as the "Road of Bones," built by gulag prisoners.
- **Kolymite:** A rare amalgam mineral found in the region.
- **15267 Kolyma:** An asteroid named in honor of the river.

### Environmental and Climatic Conditions
The Kolyma region is characterized by an **extreme subarctic climate**, with long, severe winters and short summers. The area is rich in natural resources, including gold and other minerals, which were exploited during the Soviet era.

### Cultural and Historical Significance
Kolyma’s association with the gulag system has made it a subject of historical study and literary works, including **Varlam Shalamov’s** *Kolyma Tales*, which documents life in the labor camps. The region remains a poignant reminder of the human cost of Soviet industrialization and political repression.

### Infrastructure and Transportation
The **Kolyma Federal Highway (R504)** is a critical transportation route in the region, originally constructed by gulag prisoners. It connects **Magadan** to **Yakutsk**, facilitating access to remote areas of northeastern Siberia.

### Scientific and Astronomical References
The asteroid **15267 Kolyma** is named after the river, reflecting its cultural and historical significance. Additionally, the mineral **kolymite** is unique to the region, highlighting its geological importance.

### Modern Relevance
Today, the Kolyma region remains sparsely populated but is strategically important for Russia due to its mineral wealth and geographic position. The legacy of the gulag system continues to influence perceptions of the area, making it a site of both historical memory and ongoing economic activity.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013