Abakan is the administrative centre of Khakasia republic. The population of the city is 166 400 people. The city is situated in the centre of Asian continent, in Minusinsk basin. The basin is crossed by the river Yenisei from the south to the north. In the central part of the Basin the river Yenisei is joined by Abakan river. This joining point is the place where the city is situated.

In 1675 the Abakan stockade town was founded near Abakan river. It gave the start of Minusinsk basin development.

In 1780ies the Abakan stockade town turned into a village Ust-Abakanskoe. In 1925 it was named Hakassk village, and in 1931 it got the status of the city and was named Abakan.

Nowadays Abakan is the administrative, industrial, cultural and scientific capital of the republic.

Abakan is a quickly developing city. Local people have a lot of interesting places to visit in their city.

Many worth visiting exhibitions and meetings of painters, writers and singers are held in the Abakan picture gallery. There are two drama theatres and a puppet theatre "Fairytale" in the city. Besides, there are also several libraries, a zoo, an arboretum,
TV centers and a regional museum. Festive culture plays an important role in the life of citizens. The most favorite holiday is the City's Day which is usually held in august. On this day people celebrate the city's achievements and results. All citizens and best art groups take part in this holiday.

Another important holiday is the Victory's Day. People usually meet near the monument of Warriors' Fame. The youth perform patriotic shows.

Winter farewell or Maslenitsa is a national holiday which represents Siberian traditions. Local people and the city's guests visit different theatrical places and have great fun.

One of the most important holidays is New Year. Children and adults usually decorate the city and create a holiday atmosphere. The symbols of this holiday are ice town, firework and the New Year program of Kindness.

The hospitable city gives friendly and warm atmosphere to everybody who visits it.

GMT +8 hours

City official website: www.abakan.ru