Lensk

Lensk ( _ru. Ленск) is a city located on the left bank of the Lena River in Siberia. Its population in 2005 was estimated at 24,600. The city is the administrative centre of the Lensky region in the Sakha Republic. Situated approximately 840 kilometres (520 miles) west of Yakutsk, Lensk is connected with Mirny by road and has scheduled air connections with Mirny, Yakutsk and Irkutsk. As a major port on the Lena, Lensk has developed as a processing point for the region's diamond industry.

History

The original settlement was founded in 1663 in an area known as Muhtuy and was originally named Mukhtuya. During 19th and early 20th centuries the town was a place of political exile.

The town experienced a period of rapid growth during the 20th century as a result of the discovery and development of diamond deposits in the Vilyuya basin. As the closest significant settlement to the major kimberlite excavations at the Mir Mine and the establishment of the associated city of Mirny, Mukhtuya became a major base of construction. In 1956 roads were built connecting Mukhtuya to the future Mirny and the town's port was established. The town received the status of the city and its new name Lensk in 1963.

Economy

In addition to its association with the diamond industry and construction, Lensk has a significant forestry and timber sector and a large-panal housing factory. The city is also home to the Yakutalmaz scientific research organisation.

Places of interest

Lensk has a history museum and operates a branch of the Irkutsk Polytechnic Institute. Seven kilometres south-west of the city there is a karst cave with a 25 metre waterfall and karst lake.

External links

*ru icon [http://lensk.narod.ru/ Official Lensk webpage]
*ru icon [http://lenskfirstschool.narod.ru/ Photos and videos of Lensk]