What is "kalmykia"

The Republic of Kalmykia (; , Xaľmg Tañhç) is a federal subject of Russia (a republic). As of the 2010 Census, its population was 289,481.

It is the only region in Europe where Buddhism is practiced by a plurality of the population. It has become well known as an international center for chess because its former President, Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, is the head of the International Chess Federation ( FIDE).