Irkutsk, a government of eastern Siberia, separated from China on the S. by the Sayan Mountains, from Transbaikalia on the E. by Lake Baikal, and bounded W. by Yeniseisk, and N. and NE. by Yakutsk, occupies an area of 287,061 sq. m. The country is generally mountainous, but produces rye, barley, oats, and vegetables. The most important river is the Angara or Upper Tunguzka (1000 miles), which connects Lake Baikal with the river Yenisei. The Lena and its tributary the Vitim are the rivers that come next in size. Gold, iron, and salt figure foremost amongst the mineral products. Agriculture, cattle-breeding, and the transport of goods to and from China are the chief occupations of the people. The pop., 501,237 in 1897, consists of Buriats, Tungus, and Russians (one-third exiles and forced colonists). The industries are not much developed, consisting chiefly of brandy-distilleries, with iron-foundries and factories for salt, cloth, and pottery. The towns are Irkutsk, Kirensk on the Lena, Nijniudinsk, and Verkholsensk.
IRKUTSK, the capital, on the Angara, is the residence of the governor-general of eastern Siberia and the seat of a bishop. Although 3722 miles from St Petersburg (and 40 from Lake Baikal), Irkutsk is the best-built town in Siberia, with straight, wide streets, and handsome public buildings. It possesses a cathedral, several churches, a public library, a museum of natural history, and other public institutions. The pop., 32,512 in 1875, had increased to 43,962 in 1886; it consists mostly of Russians and Buriats. Irkutsk was founded by a Cossack chief, Ivan Pochabof, in 1652, and obtained town-rights in 1686. Owing to its position on the great Siberian highway between China and Russia, it is the commercial centre of Siberia, especially for the tea-trade; the annual value of its trade amounts to about £1,100,000. The Angara constitutes the main highway for goods bound for Kiachta across Lake Baikal, as well as for those coming from eastern Siberia and China for Russia. The communications between Irkutsk and Yakutsk and the northern parts of Siberia are carried on by the river Lena. Irkutsk is an important station on the great transcontinental Siberian railway. A fire in 1879 did damage to the extent of £2,000,000.