The republic is located in Southern Russia, lying north of the North Caucasus. A small stretch of the Volga River flows through eastern Kalmykia. Other major rivers include the Yegorlyk, the Kuma, and the Manych. Lake Manych-Gudilo is the largest lake; other lakes of significance include Lakes Sarpa and Tsagan-Khak. The highest point of Kalmykia is 222 metres (728 ft) high Shared, located in the Yergeni hills.
Kalmykia’s natural resources include coal, oil, and natural gas.
The republic’s wildlife includes the saiga antelope, whose habitat is protected in Chyornye Zemli Nature Reserve.