Vitim (, Bitiim) is an urban locality (an urban-type settlement) in Lensky District of the Sakha Republic, Russia, located 229 km from Lensk, the administrative center of the district, on the left bank of the Lena River at its confluence with the Vitim River. As of the 2010 Census, its population was 4,376.

History

Vitim was first mentioned in 17th-century historical sources as a winter fort and later as a trading fort. By the mid-19th century, the settlement spread along a 2 km section of the river, with a population of about 250 inhabitants, who made a living from river trade, fishing, hunting, gold mining, and handicrafts. During the Imperial era, it served as a place of political exile; H. Leivick was exiled here in 1912–1913. Urban-type settlement status was granted to Vitim in 1958.

Administrative and municipal status

Within the framework of administrative divisions, the urban-type settlement of Vitim is incorporated within Lensky District as the Settlement of Vitim. As a municipal division, the Settlement of Vitim is incorporated within Lensky Municipal District as Vitim Urban Settlement.

Economy

Vitim's development is being influenced by the development of the Talakan oil field.

Transportation

Vitim is served by the Vitim Airport.

Climate

Vitim has a subarctic climate (Köppen climate classification Dfc) with severely cold winters and warm summers. Precipitation is quite low but is somewhat higher in summer than at other times of the year.

Sources