The article presents the research results on the features of modern localization of ethnic groups in the Karachay-Cherkess Republic. In this region, the largest ethnic groups continue to live in their historical territories. At the same time, the area of contact between ethnic groups on the ground is of particular interest. The peculiarities of ethnic settlement are also shown in the compactness of ethnic groups placement. In recent years, there has been a trend of outflow of the Russian population outside the Republic. This process changes the ethnic map of the region.