Probably, many have repeatedly heard such a name as the Volga region. It is not at all surprising, since this geographical area has a large territory and occupies an important place in the life of the whole country. Large cities of the Volga region are also leaders in many respects. Industry and economy in the area are well developed. The article will talk in detail about the largest settlements of the Volga region, their location, economy and other important points.
Volga region: general information
First you need to get to know the area better. If we define the Volga region, then we can say that it includes the territories adjacent to the Volga River. They have long been inhabited, since the river was considered an important transport and trade route. Most of the Volga region consists of a flat terrain. Lowlands and small hilly areas are often found here. The climate of these places is temperate continental, and in some places continental. weather conditions herenot too harsh, but winters can be quite cold. Summer in this area is warm, the average temperature in July is usually +22–25˚C.
The major cities of the Volga region are of particular interest. Now this area is densely populated. Industry, agriculture, and the transport system are actively developing here. The peculiarity of the location of large cities of the Volga region is largely associated with an advantageous position in terms of economics and geography. Since ancient times, settlements mainly appeared near major trade routes (in this case, near the Volga).
The most significant cities in the area
So, we got a little acquainted with the Volga region itself. Now it is worth talking about its settlements. The largest cities in the Volga region are Kazan, Samara and Volgograd. They have a population of over 1 million people. These cities have become real industrial centers, at the moment they continue to develop actively. Do not deprive attention of other large cities of the Volga region. Among them, it is necessary to mention Saratov, Ulyanovsk, Penza, Astrakhan, Nizhny Novgorod.
Many are also interested in the question of what is the largest city in the Volga region. At the moment, Kazan is such a settlement. Now it's worth taking a closer look at the most important cities in this area.
Kazan
So, you need to learn more about this wonderful city. It is located in the Republic of Tatarstan and is its center. It is interesting that a fairly large port operates here, where a constant cargo turnover is carried out. The city is known forthroughout the country and occupies an important place in the field of economy, science, politics, culture.
Kazan is a very ancient city. Its foundation, according to some sources, dates back to 1005. Thus, it becomes clear that the city has a truly ancient history. Initially, a fortress was formed here. However, already in the 13th century, Kazan began to actively develop and grow. Gradually, it turned into an important center within the Golden Horde. And already in the 15th century it became the central city of the Kazan Khanate, to which even Moscow paid tribute. However, Ivan the Terrible took this city, all resistance was crushed. Thus, Kazan became part of the Russian state.
Now Kazan is a million-plus city, in 2016 its population was 1,216,965 people. It is also a major industrial center. Mechanical engineering, light industry, as well as chemical and petrochemical industries are widely developed here.
Samara
Many people wonder what is the second largest settlement. We have already found out that Kazan is the largest city in the Volga region. The next settlement is Samara. It also occupies an important place in the Volga economic space. As of 2016, the city's population is about 1,170,910.
At first there was a fortress here. It was founded in 1586. The main purpose of such a building was to control movement along the Volga and prevent raids by nomads and other enemies along the waterways. Samara has a rich history. For example, in the XVII-XVIII centuries the city became the center of a peasant uprising. At one time, he was even captured by troops subordinate to Stepan Razin. In the middle of the 19th century, the Samara province was created. Thus, this settlement also became its center. At that time, the population of these places increased markedly.
For a long time, since 1935, the city had a different name - Kuibyshev. However, in 1991 it was decided to return it to its former name. Of particular interest is the fact that the longest embankment in our country is located here. Another record - the city has the tallest station building in all of Europe.
As for the economic component of the city, it is mostly represented by various industries. The most developed here are mechanical engineering and metalworking. There are also many food processing enterprises located in the city.
Volgograd
Another major city in the Volga region is Volgograd. This settlement also plays an important role in the economic, cultural, scientific and other spheres of the entire region. The population of the city in 2016 was 1,016,137 people. Such an indicator indicates that this is indeed a large settlement.
The history of these places is rich in various events. It appeared, like many other cities of the Volga region, next to the trade route that ran along the Volga. These lands were under the rule of the Golden Horde for a long time. However, from the beginning of the 15th century, it fell apart intoseveral separate khanates. Gradually, the Moscow principality was able to defeat them. The first mention of the city (then called Tsaritsyn) dates back to 1579. The city survived a large number of defeats and each time was restored. For example, in 1607, when the authority of False Dmitry II was recognized in Tsaritsyn, the city was taken by storm on the orders of Vasily Shuisky. Peasant uprisings also took place here in the middle of the 17th century.
From the 18th to the beginning of the 20th century, the city actively developed in the industrial sector and gradually became the center of the entire region. Defense production, mechanical engineering and metallurgy are now the most developed here.
Saratov
It is definitely worth noting a city like Saratov. It is also a major economic component of the Volga region. Its population in 2016 is 843,460 people. Interestingly, this settlement is one of the 20 largest cities in the country, but it is not a million-plus city.
The date of foundation of Saratov refers to 1590. Then a fortress was built here. Previously, settlements of the Golden Horde were located here. Already in the 18th century, the city became a major center where trade was organized. At the beginning of the 20th century, Saratov became the largest city on the Volga in terms of the number of inhabitants.
Thus, not only the largest city of the Volga region, but also other large-scale settlements were considered. We got to know their history and various interesting facts about them.
