To the north and west lie the Russian territories of Stavropol and Krasnodar.

BBC: Karachay-Cherkessia profile

To the east and west lie the Russian republics of North Ossetia and Karachayevo-Cherkessia.

BBC: Kabardino-Balkaria profile

One block north lie the pre-Hispanic ruins of Templo Mayor, believed by the Aztecs to be the centre of the universe, and just a stone's throw from the site is Palacio Nacional, which houses dramatic Diego Rivera murals.

BBC: Mexico City: More than a stopover