Today's Geo Quiz takes us to Russia's southernmost region. We're looking for one of the many republics that make up the Russian federation.

This one stretches farther south than any of the others. It's just to the east of Chechnya. Also to the east is the country of Georgia -- while Azerbaijan is to the south.

The capital is the Caspian sea-port of Makhachkala. The republic's population is predominantly Muslim. In fact, many locals embark on the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca each year. Which entails quite a journey.

Pilgrims travel south through Azerbaijan, Turkey, Syria, Jordan, and finally, Saudi Arabia. We'll hear some of those pilgrims. But first you have to name the Russian republic they call home.

The answer's here...