Abakan

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For other uses, see Abakan (disambiguation).

Abakan (Russian: Абака́н) is the capital of the Republic of Khakassia in Russia, in South Siberia. It is located in the central part of Minusinsk Depression, at the confluence of the rivers Yenisei and Abakan, at 53°43′N 91°27′E; at approximately the same latitude as Hamburg and Minsk. Population: 165,197 (2002 Census); 159,000 (January 1, 1994 est.).

Abakan fort (Абаканский острог) was built at this location in 1675, also known as Abakansk. In Russian Empire it belonged to Yenisei gubernia. During 1823–1931 the grown settlement was known as Ust-Abakanskoye, 1914–1925: Abakan, 1925–1931: Khakassk. It received the status of town and its current name in 1931.

Abakan (together with Tayshet) was a terminal of the major Abakan-Taishet Railway. Now it is an important railway junction.

The city has a river port, an airport, industry enterprises, Khakas State University, and three theatres. Furthermore, it has a commercial center that produces footwear, foodstuffs, and metal products.