This chapter provides all basic political, economic, and demographic data on a territorial unit of the Russian Federation, Karachaevo-Cherkessia. Karachaevo-Cherkessia was established as an autonomous oblast within Stavropol Krai in 1922 and became an independent republic within the Russian Federation in July 1991. It is situated on the northern slope of the Caucasus Mountains and borders Kabardino-Balkaria, Stavropol and Krasnodar krais, and Georgia. Karachaevo-Cherkessia was established as an autonomous oblast within Stavropol Krai in 1922 and became an independent republic within the Russian Federation in July 1991. It is situated on the northern slope of the Caucasus Mountains and borders Kabardino-Balkaria, Stavropol and Krasnodar krais, and Georgia. Prior to the 1999 republican presidential elections and subsequent controversy, Karachaevo-Cherkessia had been one of the most calm and stable regions in the rather turbulent North Caucasus.