The history of Krasnoyarsk region begins in ancient times. The first people settled down here approximately 200 thousand years ago. The territory had 2 great migrations over the past several centuries. Before the Russians came to this region, it was inhabited by nomadic turk, somadiysk, tungus and yeniseisk tribes which possessed unique ancient culture and peculiar way of life.

Russian explorers came to the basin of Yenisey river in XVI-XVII centuries. Old manuscripts provide information that the Russians didn't meet any resistance from local people going from Irtysh river to the East until they met Kyrgyz tribes. In 1607 the first constant settlement was founded by the Cossacks near Turuhan river's mouth. In 1619 Yeniseiskiy stockaded town was built in the north of the region. It was the main merchant and handicraft centre of the Eastern Siberia for more than 150 years. Other stockaded towns were built later to protect the southern part of Yeniseisk.

Krasnoyarsk stockaded town was founded in 1628 by the Cossack Andrey Dubensky. Constant war collisions frightened off free migrants from Krasnoyarsk for a long time. But in three years after its foundation Krasnoyarsk stockaded town became the centre of the district, which subdued the huge territory. In 1690 Krasnoyarsk received the status of the city, when Siberia was finally joined to Russia.

The population growth in the south of the district increased due to copper and iron industry foundation (Lukazskiy and Irbinskiy plants) in the 30ies of XVIII century. During this time such cities as Krasnoyarsk, Achinsk, Kansk and Minusinsk were developing very quickly.

In 1822 the Yeniseiskaya province was formed. The centre of the province was Krasnoyarsk. It has become the largest gold mining district of Russia by the middle of XIX century. In 1895 the Trans-Siberian railway construction began on the territory of Krasnoyarsk region. This stimulated the development of the main industrial directions: railway construction, gold mining, distillation, timber and iron industries.

Another significant stage of Krasnoyarsk region was developing of the north. In 1934 Krasnoyarsk region region was formed by Evenkiysky, Taymyrsky autonomous districts and by Khakassian autonomous oblast. During the Great Civil war more than 40 evacuated industrial enterprises which greatly contributed into the victory were moved to the region.

The years after the war are marked by large scale constructions concerning Siberia development and its energetic potential. The Krasnoyarsk Hydroelectric Power Station is one of the symbols of those Komsomol constructions. At that time there were built the Krasnoyarsk metallurgical plant, the Krasnoyarsk aluminum plant, the Krasnoyarsk non-ferrous metals plant, the Norilsk mining industrial complex and other big industrial companies.

In 2007 Evenkiyskiy and Taymyrskiy autonomous districts again became the part of Krasnoyarsk region.

The population of the region is 2.8 million people. The governor of the region is Alexander Gennadievich Hloponin who was appointed for the position in 2002 and managed to make Siberia one of the leading territories of the countries. Nowadays Krasnoyarsk region develops new oil and gas fields, mineral resources mining, high-tech industry, education and health service. In short - the prediction of M. Lomonosov has come true: "The wealth of Russia will be increased by Siberia".