Simferopol (; ; ; ) is a city on the Crimean peninsula, the status of which is disputed between Ukraine and Russia. It is the administrative centre of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea (in Ukraine) or of the Republic of Crimea (in Russia). As the capital of Crimea, Simferopol is an important political, economic, and transport hub of the peninsula. Simferopol serves as the administrative center of Simferopol municipality, one of the regions Crimea is divided into, and of Simferopol Raion, although it does not belong to the raion (district). Population:
Archaeological evidence in Simferopol indicates the existence of an ancient Scythian city, collectively known as the Scythian Neapolis. The location was also home to a Crimean Tatar town, Aqmescit. After the annexation of the Crimean Khanate to the Russian Empire, the city's name was changed to its present Simferopol.