New region formed in Russia

1 Mar, 2008 10:47 / Updated 17 years ago

A new name has appeared on Russia's map. The Zabaikalsky region was officially born on Saturday. The region in Russia's South-East Siberia combines the territories of former Aginsk Buryat Autonomous Area and Chita Region.

So the number of Russia's federal territories has decreased from 84 to 83. The new region is expected to become a centre for investment projects, including railroad construction and development of local ore deposits. A referendum on consolidating the two regions was held last March.