VLADIVOSTOK and PRIMORSKY KRAI

Vladivostok is Russia's largest Pacific port, home to the Russian Pacific fleet, and the administrative center for Primorsky Krai. It is the terminus of the Trans-Siberian railroad and is geographically close to Japan, Korea and China, making it an important trade and transportation hub. Major industries include commercial fishing, shipping, forestry, and the Russian Navy.

In 2012, Vladivostok will host the 24th Summit of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperations (APEC) forum.  The event will draw delegates from 21 Pacific Rim member nations.

The Central Sikhote Alin range, located in Primorsky Krain, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  This unique ecosystem simultaneously hosts subtropical species, such as the Amur tiger and Himalayan bear and such northern taiga species as the reindeer and brown bear.