a town of Asiatic Russia, capital of an extensive territory of the same name in Eastern Siberia; in N. Lat. 62. 2., E. Long. 129. 43. It is situated on a plain, on the left bank of the Lena, which is here about 5 miles broad, and forms numerous islands; and is enclosed by mountains at the distance of 10 or 12 miles. Though a small place, and notwithstanding the severity of its climate, it carries on a great trade, and is the emporium of the furs collected in this extensive region as far as the coasts of the Frozen Ocean, Behrings Straits, and the Sea of Ochotsk, in exchange for which it receives European and Asiatic commodities. The cold is excessive in winter, the thermometer frequently falling as low as 56° below zero; while the heat in summer is sometimes not inferior to that of the torrid zone. Pop. (1856) 2823.

The territory of Yakutsk extends northward from N. Lat. 54 to the Frozen Ocean, and from E. Long. 105. to 164. It has on the north the Frozen Ocean; south, Manchooria; west, the governments of Yeniseisk and Irkutsk; and east, Kamtschatka and the province of Ochotsk. Area, 1,071,374 square miles. Its principal rivers are the Olonek, Lena, Indigirka, and Kolyma. In some parts rye, barley, and other grains are raised, and large herds of cattle, horses, and sheep are reared; but the great part of the territory is a barren desert. Wild animals and game of various kinds abound, and fish are plentiful in the rivers. The chief mineral products are iron, salt, and excellent talc. Coal is said to exist in some parts on the Upper Lena. Pop. (1856) 214,208.