Lovozero (rural locality)

Lovozero (Russian: Лово́зеро; Kildin Sami: Луя̄ввьр) is a rural locality (a selo) and the administrative center of Lovozersky District in Murmansk Oblast, Russia, located on both banks of the Virma River, which is not far from Lake Lovozero, and 164 kilometers (102 mi) southeast of Murmansk, the administrative center of the oblast. Population: 2,871 (2010 census); 3,141 (2002 census); 3,638 (1989 Soviet census). It is the second largest locality in the district after Revda. History In 1574, the settlement of Loyyavrsiyt (literally, "settlement of strong people by the lake") was founded at the site of modern Lovozero. Lovozero itself is first mentioned in chronicles in 1608. Economy The main business in Lovozero is the agricultural and reindeer husbandry cooperative Tundra. Fishing, hunting, and picking cloudberries are also important. Transportation The closest railway station is in Olenegorsk, located 85 kilometers (53 mi) to the west. Military A military helicopter base is located 2 kilometers (1.2 mi) to the southeast. Culture Several Sami festivals are held in Lovozero, which is why it is often called "the Sami capital of Russia." There is also a museum showcasing traditional Sami culture and way of life. Climate Lovozero has a subarctic climate due to its high latitude. In spite of this, the climate is a lot less severe than other Russian climates further east. Even so, it is colder than areas to the west that are a lot milder due to a greater Gulf Stream influence, with mean temperatures of below −13 °C (9 °F) in the two coldest months. In summer, temperatures can briefly spike to 30 °C (86 °F) or above due to southerly winds over the vast landmass, although the proximity to the chilly Arctic Ocean also cools down that season. Winters are drier than summers, but still snowy enough to build a reliable snow pack for several months. Due to the relatively mild July months, Lovozero is below the Arctic tree line. Religion There is one Orthodox Church church building in Lovozero called the Church of the Epiphany. The church was first opend in 1862, then burned town in 1896 but was quickly rebuilt in 1897. During the Soviet era the church was shutdown and was instead used as a local clubhouse. In 1996, the church was reopened for worship again. External links References Notes Sources Мурманская областная Дума. Закон №574-02-ЗМО от 29 декабря 2004 г. «О статусе, наименованиях и составе территорий муниципального образования Ловозерский район и муниципальных образований, входящих в его состав», в ред. Закона №1156-01-ЗМО от 23 ноября 2009 г «Об упраздении некоторых населённых пунктов Мурманской области и внесении изменений в отдельные законодательные акты Мурманской области». Вступил в силу 1 января 2005 г. Опубликован: "Мурманский Вестник", №249, стр. 5, 30 декабря 2004 г. (Murmansk Oblast Duma. Law #574-02-ZMO of December 29, 2004 On the Status, Names, and Composition of the Territories of the Municipal Formation of Lovozersky District and of the Municipal Formations It Comprises, as amended by the Law #1156-01-ZMO of November 23, 2009 On the Abolition of Several Inhabited Localities of Murmansk Oblast and on Amending Several Legislative Acts of Murmansk Oblast. Effective as of January 1, 2005.).