Dagestan is one of the states of Russia. It is situated on a coast of the Caspian sea.Dagestan is located on a north-east Caucasus's slope and on south-west Caspian's lowland. It occupies the most southern part of Russia. The area of republic - 50,3 thousand sq.m.. Extent of territory of Dagestan from the north for south makes about 400 kms., from west for east - on the average 200 kms.Dagestan on the north borders on Kalmykia, on northwest - with Stavropol Territory, on west with Chechnya, and also on a small extent with Azerbaijan and Georgia.

There are 32 ethnic groups within the borders of Dagestan. The groups have various aspirations, including hopes for a multinational Dagestan or independence. Dagestan is the center for Islam in the North Caucasus and the capital, Makhachkala, is the seat of the Muslim spiritual board of Dagestan and the North Caucasus.

Dagestan has been heavily affected by the Chechen war and tent camps across Dagestan and neighbouring Ingushetia includes some 150,000 refugees.

Info about Dagestan from the State University