Surrounded by picturesque hills and forests, Khanty-Mansiysk, the capital of Khanty-Mansiysk autonomous okrug - Yugra, is located on the Irtysh river near its confluence with the Ob. Khanty-Mansiysk can trace its origins back several centuries, when a small troop led by Yermaks partner Bogdan Bryazga approached a small Belgorod town that was a seat of Ostyaks (Khanty) khan Samar. Russians and Khanty waged a battle during which khan Samar was murdered and his warriors were defeated and scattered, then they swore loyalty to the Moscow Tsar. To obtain jurisdiction over the conquered territory, in 1637, the Tsar Mikhail Fyodorovich signed the edict to establish a permanent settlement named Samarovo. Founded to provide soldiers and other authorities traveling to Surgut or Obdorsk (Salekhard) with transport and guides, Samarovo gradually became a center of manufacture, trade, and crafts. The first people to inhabit Samarovo were 50 coachmen with their families, moved from Perm, Vologda, and Olonets regions. Other people, primarily merchants looking for new perspectives for their business, followed them.
In 1931, with a decision to establish the center of the Okrug, began the construction of new town - Ostyako-Vogulsk, later renamed Khanty-Mansiysk. In 1977, Khanty-Mansiysk okrug was granted the status of autonomy, and Khanty-Mansiysk became the seat of KhMAO regional government.
In early 80s, when vast oil deposits were discovered, it became obvious that the city has great potential for economic growth.