Mogocha

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Mogocha (Russian: Мого́ча) is a town in Zabaykalsky Krai, Russia, located at the confluence of the Mogocha and Amazar Rivers some 709 km northeast of Chita. It is the administrative center of Mogochinsky District. Population: 12,400 (2005 est.); 13,282 (2002 Census); 17,847 (1989 Census).

[edit] History

Name 'Mogocha' has at least two meanings in Evenk language: a. mongo - Evenk tribename and possessive suffix chi; b. "mongochi" means "golden valley". Local expression: "God created Sochi, and Satan Mogocha"

Mogocha was founded in 1910 and granted town status in 1950. Most of its population came from European part of the USSR to work for Trans-Siberian Railway company and in gold mines since the 1930s.

One third of Mogocha's population fled to nearby cities. This tendency is a Siberiawide practice because of notorious economic crisis of the 90s. At the same time a significant number of Chinese citizens and companies try to sing their roots in the region.