The Chechen Republic is in southwestern Russia on the North Caucasus. Area – about 12 300 km2, population – around 1.5 million. Capital – Grozny. Currency – Russian ruble. Official languages – Russian and Chechen. Drugs are strictly prohibited, punishable by law. Alcohol is mainly available in cities and hotels, but frowned upon in traditional mountain villages.

History
Inhabited since antiquity by the Nakh peoples. Fierce battles took place during the Caucasian War in the 19th century. In 1944 Chechens and Ingush were deported en masse, returning in 1957. Two major conflicts – First Chechen War (1994–1996) and Second Chechen War (1999–2009) – caused widespread destruction. Since the mid-2000s the region has stabilized within the Russian Federation.

Industry
Key sectors – oil extraction and refining, energy, construction, food and light industry. Modern oil refinery operates near Grozny. Wood processing and construction materials manufacture are also important.

Religion and Traditions
About 96 % of the population are Sunni Muslims, 2 % Russian Orthodox, remainder – other faiths or non-religious. Traditions include strong hospitality, respect for elders, elaborate courtship rituals and wedding festivals featuring national dances.

Clothing
In cities – European style: trousers, shirts, mid-length dresses. Women should avoid shorts, miniskirts, exposed shoulders and open-toe sandals in public. In villages and mosques – knees and shoulders must be covered, women wear headscarves. Tourists should pack a versatile scarf and closed shoes.

Standard of Living and Corruption
Average wage – about RUB 40 000. By HDI the republic is mid-range among Russian regions. Corruption remains high – small bribes to officials and traffic police are still common.

Wars and Conflicts
Major wars – First Chechen War (1994–1996) and Second Chechen War (1999–2009) with heavy casualties and damage. Local insurgency lingered for years; now only sporadic extremist acts occur.

Holidays
Regional Day – October 9, Muslim holidays – Kurban-Bayram and Uraza-Bayram, plus national holidays like New Year’s Day, Victory Day (May 9), Russia Day (June 12).

Tourism
Chechnya blends modern urban spaces with pristine nature. In Grozny – glass skyscrapers, Sunzha River embankment, “Heart of Chechnya” mosque. Beyond the city – mountain plateaus, remote villages, deep gorges and Lake Kezenoy-Am at 1 870 m. Activities include cliff treks, river rafting and cultural photography tours.

Types of Tourism
– Cultural-historical tours of memorials and mosques
– Ethnographic routes to mountain villages
– Eco-tourism and hiking
– White-water rafting in gorges
– Cycling in foothills
– Photography tours of festivals

Tourist Attractions
– Grozny-City business center with towers and squares
– “Heart of Chechnya” mosque – one of Europe’s largest
– Grozny Reservoir dam viewpoint
– Nikolaevsky Forest near Grozny
– Lake Kezenoy-Am – “Caucasian pearl”
– Argun Gorge – waterfalls and caves trail
– Old villages Itum-Kale and Khoy – authentic mountain settlements

Non-Tourist Attractions
– Soviet military installations hidden in the mountains
– Small family-run museums in Sharo-Argun
– Remnants of early 20th-century industry
– Traditional pastures and dairy tastings with shepherds
– Untouched forest areas near Naurskaya stanitsa

Local Cuisine
Signature dishes – zhizhig-galnash (meat with dumplings), chepalgash (herb-filled flatbread), khinkal (dumplings in broth), lopa-palav (lamb pilaf). Drinks include strong tea, compote and local wines from Argun. Meal times: breakfast 8–10, lunch 13–15, dinner 19–21. Guests are expected to taste everything and leave plates empty as a sign of respect.

Why Visit
Chechnya offers a unique blend of hospitality, history and landscape. With few mass tourists, lower prices than other Caucasus regions and an authentic culture, it promises unforgettable impressions.

Safety and Wildlife
Urban areas are safe with normal precautions. Terror threat is minimal – occasional isolated incidents. In mountains you may encounter bears, wolves and European bison – they are not aggressive but food must be kept sealed.

Service Level
In Grozny there are 3–5 star hotels and restaurants serving local and European cuisine. In mountain villages – guesthouses and ethno-estates with basic comfort and home cooking.

Entry Rules
A Russian visa is required except for CIS citizens under visa-free agreements. Passport control at entry, customs declaration for cash and certain goods. Prohibited imports – weapons, drugs and large quantities of alcohol.

Transport
Intercity buses and minibuses connect major towns. Rail links to Nazran and Gudermes. In Grozny – taxis and municipal buses. Train tickets via official online sites; bus tickets at station offices.

Car
Car hire available at the airport and city agencies. Local drivers often flout traffic rules; minor bribes to traffic police are common. No toll roads. Speed limits – 60 km/h in town, 90 km/h outside; speed cameras and traffic patrols in operation. Legal blood alcohol limit – 0.3 ‰. Dashcam recommended. Fines from RUB 500 for minor offenses up to license suspension.

Noise Regulations
Quiet hours – 22:00–7:00. Loud music and construction work are prohibited at night and on official holidays.

Daily Budget
Budget – RUB 2 500–3 000 (≈USD 30–35): guesthouse, street food, public transport. Mid-range – RUB 5 000–7 000 (≈USD 60–85): 3–4 star hotel, cafes, guided tours. Comfort – from RUB 10 000 (≈USD 120): 4–5 star hotels, car rental, private guides.

What Not to Do
Do not photograph military sites or checkpoints, drink alcohol near mosques, insult traditions, picnic in nature reserves, tease wildlife or litter.

Climate
Continental climate: foothills summer 25–35 °C, winter down to –10 °C. Mountains are cooler and snow-covered. Best for hiking – May–June and September; city sightseeing – July–August; winter sports – December–March.