city and capital of Kalmykia (Kalmykiya) republic, southwestern Russia. It was founded in 1865 and became a city in 1930. In 1944, when the Kalmyks were exiled by Joseph Stalin for their alleged collaboration with the Germans, the republic was dissolved and the city became known as Stepnoy (“Steppe”). The Kalmyk A.S.S.R. and the name Elista were restored in 1957. Agriculture employs the most workers, though Elista also has administrative, trade, and cultural services for its surrounding area. Kalmyk State University (1970) and teacher-training and medical colleges are located there. Pop. (2006 est.) 103,034.