Nalchik is the capital city of the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria in Russia. It is situated at an altitude of 550 meters (1,800 ft) within the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains, located approximately 100 kilometers (62 mi) northwest of Beslan.
The city covers a total area of 131 square kilometers (51 sq mi). According to the 2021 census, Nalchik has a population of 247,054 residents.