Balashov is one of the cities of the Saratov region. It is the center of the Balashovsky district of this region. It appeared on the historical map as early as 1780. Balashov is located in the very west of the region, on the Oka-Don plain. In relation to Saratov, it is located at a distance of 210 km to the west. The population of Balashov is 77,391 people.
Geographic features
One of the most beautiful rivers in Russia, the Khoper River, flows directly through this regional center. It is a tributary of the Don River. 2 railway lines converge in the city: Povorino-Penza and Tambov-Kamyshin.
The climate in Balashov is temperate continental. The coldest month is February (t -8 °C), and the warmest is July (t +21, 1 °C). The average annual air temperature is +6.4 degrees. The annual precipitation is 525 mm.
Balashov's photographs show that this is a fairly large provincial-type city. The houses are modest and fairly well maintained, assmall to medium size. The roads are varied and the development is rather chaotic.
City economy
A large number of enterprises operate in Balashov, including food ones. Many of them were closed. In the future, it is planned to build several new plants. It is also planned to create a waste processing plant.
Transportation is represented by buses, the fares of which have increased significantly.
Population
In 2017, the population of Balashov was 77 thousand 391 people. According to this indicator, the city is on the 214th place among the cities of the Russian Federation. Population dynamics show a picture typical of many Russian provincial centers: rapid population growth during the Soviet period, cessation of growth in the 1990s, and decline from 2000 to the present. In 1913, 26,900 people lived in the city, and in 1987 - 99,000 people. Back in 2003, there were 98,300 people in Balashov, after which the population only decreased. This is probably due to the closure of a number of enterprises.
The population density of Balashov is 1125.5 people/sq. km.
The national composition is sharply dominated by Russians. They are 97 percent. Next, by a wide margin, Ukrainians follow (1.4%). In third place are Azerbaijanis (0.7%). On the fourth - Armenians (0.4%). The share of other peoples is insignificant.
Inhabitants of Balashov are called Balashovtsy, and one particular resident is called Balashovets.
Vacancies of the Balashov Employment Center
As of July 2018, the city has a significant number of vacancies. Especially many doctors are required (more than a third of their total number). Salaries for doctors from 12 to 24 thousand rubles. For other vacancies, salaries are generally quite modest. They start from 11,163 rubles and end with 25 thousand rubles, most often - 15,000 rubles. Obviously, this could be another reason for the city's declining population.
What people write about the city of Balashov
People leave different opinions about the city. As positive features, they pay attention to landscaping, ecology, a good park, and friendly people. Negative reviews complain about dirt, puddles, roads, general decline and degradation.
Sights of Balashov
There are 4 objects in the city that can be rated as attractions.
- Museum of local lore. It was built in the 1930s. In total, the museum can see 40,000 local exhibits.
- Monument of Glory. It opened in 1980 near the Kuibyshev park. The monument is a stele with eternal fire and a star.
- City Drama Theatre. This place was founded in 1918. Since then, a total of 800 performances have been staged there.
- Monument to aircraft L 39. This training aircraft was erected in honor of the aviation school.
Conclusion
Thus, Balashov is a typical provincial town in central Russia, one of the citiesSaratov region and the Volga region. Climatic conditions, by the standards of our country, are moderate. The economy is linked to the operation of various enterprises, many of which have been closed in recent decades. The population of Balashov is rapidly decreasing. This was preceded by intensive growth during the Soviet period and stagnation in the 90s. Residents believe that it will continue to decline. They call the city endangered, specifying that it repeats the fate of many Russian cities. They complain about broken roads, puddles, but at the same time they praise the environment. Obviously, this is a positive side of the closure of production.
There are 4 local attractions in the city.
