The Urals refer to a mountain range located in western Russia, spanning around 2,500 kilometers from the Arctic Ocean to the Ural River and serving as a natural border between Europe and Asia. With an average height of around 800 meters, the Urals are considered relatively low in comparison to other mountain ranges. The region is rich in various mineral resources, including iron ore, copper, gold, and precious stones, making it an important mining area for centuries. Additionally, the Urals are known for their diverse landscapes, encompassing taiga forests, vast plains, and numerous rivers.
The term "Urals" is also commonly used to refer to the region surrounding these mountains. This geographical area, often called the Ural region, is scattered with industrial cities, such as Yekaterinburg and Chelyabinsk, which have played significant roles in Russia's history and economy. The Urals hold cultural importance as well, with numerous indigenous peoples inhabiting the region for centuries, including the Mansi, Khanty, and Bashkirs.
Furthermore, the Urals have a symbolic value, representing a historical and cultural divide between Europe and Asia. In folklore and literature, the Urals often mark the boundary between civilization and untamed wilderness. Overall, the Urals hold geographical, economic, cultural, and symbolic significance, making them a notable and distinctive feature of the Russian landscape.
