The Nganasans have not developed their identity as one nation. Their earlier and more commonly known name Tavgi Samoyed or Tavgi , by now out-dated, came into use through the Russian language. The Nganasans live on the Taimyr Peninsula at the coast of the Arctic Ocean and belong administratively in the Taimyr Autonomous District of the Krasnoyarsk region. The adaptation to their new life-style has brought great problems to the Nganasans. Many of them have been forced to take menial jobs, many others are unemployed.
Alcoholism is widespread.
Due to their poor heath or lack of education, few Nganasans are enlisted into the army. The Russian language and community are held in high esteem by the Nganasans, yet this is the community that repulses the Nganasans. Even the Russians who associate with the Nganasans are boycotted. The Nganasans have no right to voice their opinion regarding the administration of their economic and cultural affairs. There could be some hope for them to survive as a nation if an autonomous territory would be formed of the Avam and Khatanga regions.