There is friction between the Kabardins and the Balkars, and in 1992 the Balkars voted for secession.

BBC: Kabardino-Balkaria profile

The Cherkess are ethnically and culturally related to the Kabarda and Adygey peoples and the Karachay to the Balkars.

BBC: Karachay-Cherkessia profile

The population is made up of mainly-Muslim Kabardins, as well as minorities of Turkic-speaking Balkars - around 10% of the people - and Russians.

BBC: Kabardino-Balkaria profile

Accused by Stalin of collaboration with the Nazis, the Balkars were deported to Central Asia during World War II and their name was dropped from the republic's title.

BBC: Kabardino-Balkaria profile