Routledge Russia's Diamond Colony: The Republic of Sakha

Of all the regions of Russia, The Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) was one of the best placed for success in the post-Soviet era. It is among Russia's most resource-rich regions, the political unit with the largest land area within the Russian Federation and one of the leading proponents of regional devolution of governmental powers.

The Republic produces and exports about 25 per cent of the world's diamonds. With a population of about a million people, revenues of US$2 billion have produced some of the highest regional domestic products in Russia.
This study looks at the reform process in Sakha and at a one hundred year history of economic development.

The author's research revealed that, contrary to widespread belief about Soviet development, Sakha's progress has always been determined by the export of key resources. At the same time, Sakha provides a useful case for understanding the successes and failiures of Russia's reform process.