This publication has been produced with the assistance of the European Union. The contents of the publication is the sole responsibility of City of Lieksa and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union.
Muezersky District, Republic of Karelia was established by the Decree of the Presidium of the Russian Federation Supreme Council on December 30, 1966. Its area is 17,660 km2 - nearly a tenth of Karelian territory. The district equals Lake Ladoga in size. It borders the Kostomuksha municipality and Kalevalsky national district in the north, Suojarvsky district in the south, Medvezhjegorsky, Segezhsky and Belomorsky districts in the east. A stretch of the national border between Russian Federation and Finland is its western boundary.
The district has 14 settlements including 1 urban-type settlement. Resident population is 17,400 people, i.e. 2.3% of the republic's total population. The central village of Muezersky has 4,300 inhabitants (as of late 2002). The district is the second largest district in the republic, although the population is sparse - 1 person per sq. km.
The district economy is currently experiencing difficulties, just like most rural areas of Russia, where unemployment is high and there is little hope of new jobs being created. Launching of the "Inari" checkpoint and tourism development in the district would enhance the situation with employment.
The potential held by the district is not utilized to its full capacity. Forest and mineral resources, as well as unique tourism and recreational resources of the district are underused.
