1. More than 60 ethnic groups reside in the Republic of Dagestanю 14 of them have their own media outlets in their native language, including print and radio.

2. Derbent, a city in Dagestan, is the oldest one in Russia. This ancient city boasts a rich history, with ancient artifacts coexisting with modern attractions, making it one of the world's oldest continuously live cities.

3. A massive aircraft carrier known as the Lun - the so-called Caspian Monster (an experimental craft measuring the size of a five-story building, developed by Soviet engineers) lies on the shore of the Caspian Sea.

4. Khinkal, a famous dish from Dagestan, differs from traditional Georgian khinkali. Instead of being a single piece of dough, it is composed of small pieces of dough that are cooked in mutton or beef broth. It is typically served with meat, home-made sausage, and either adzhika (a spicy sauce) or sour cream with garlic.

5. The Republic of Dagestan is characterized by a remarkable diversity of landscapes, with mountains accounting for 56% of its territory. These mountains vary greatly, ranging from highland regions covered in alpine meadows to the icy peaks found in the southern part of the republic. Inner Dagestan presents its own unique charm, featuring gorges and rugged terrain.

6. Dagestani peoples are known for their linguistic diversity, with each resident speaking between two and four languages, apart from the Russian. Beyond Russian, more than 40 distinct languages and dialects are spoken within the region, making it a linguistic tapestry that even linguists struggle to fully comprehend.

7. Unlike other regions, frozen meat is rarely available in Dagestani shops, with only fresh meat being offered. However, recent developments have seen the emergence of supermarkets that offer frozen meat, although these stores remain relatively unpopular among the local residents.

8. Dagestan boasts an impressive number of cultural heritage sites, with a total of 6,475 recorded sites, making it the leader in this category. Among these, Derbent stands out with an astonishing 107 sites, including 25 that are of federal significance, surpassing even Moscow coming in the second place.

9. In Dagestan there are more than 45 abandoned villages, some of which have become popular tourist destinations. For instance, Gamsutl, an abandoned village in Gunibski municipal district, offers a unique opportunity to explore ruins and admire a breathtaking mountainous scenery.

10. The Samur Forest, the only liana forest in Russia, is situated in the southern part of the Republic of Dagestan. It is also the world's northernmost subtropical forest, making it a truly remarkable natural wonder.

Text by PEGAS Touristik