Assessment of the development of the mountain regions of Russia

The author made an attempt to assess the impact of one of the main geographical factors, i.e. mountain terrain, on the economic development of regions in Russian Federation. The mountain regions have been identified in the context of the federal districts and the linear regression method of panel data was used to estimate the per capita growth of GRP of the regions. The performed assessment shows that macro-regions with rich natural resources are the drivers of the country's economy. In addition, the coastal districts, i.e. the Northwestern (NWFD) and Far Eastern Federal Districts (FEFD), are also distinguished, whose regions are positively influenced by their favorable geographical location including the location of major transport and logistics centers (seaports, pipelines, railways, etc.), aimed at exporting raw materials both to European countries (NWFD) and to South-East Asia (FEFD). However, calculations show that mountain regions are characterized with the greatest lag in economic development, especially the mountain regions of the North Caucasus and Siberia. The results of this study confirm the concept that a special approach is required towards the regional development of regions, including that of the mountain regions. Inclusion of the provisions on the possibilities and prospects of development of the mountain regions in the Concept of spatial development of the Russian Federation would be a logical continuation of such scientific concepts as the economic zoning and territorial organization of the economy.