The largest cities of the Volga region: a description, history, features of accommodation and interesting facts

Probably, many have repeatedly heard such a name as the Volga region. It is not surprising, since this geographical region has a large territory and occupies an important place in the life of the whole country. The large cities of the Volga region are also leaders in many respects. The industry and economy in this area are well developed. The article will tell in detail about the largest settlements of the Volga region, their location, economy and other important points.

The Volga region: general information

First you need to get to know the area itself. 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. The greater part of the Volga region consists of a flat relief. Here often there are lowlands and small hilly terrain. The climate of these places is moderately continental, and in some places is continental. The weather conditions here are not too harsh, but winter is quite cold. Summer in this area is warm, the average temperature in July is usually at + 22-25 ° C.

Large cities of the Volga region are of special interest. Now this area is densely populated. Here, industry, agriculture, and the transport system are actively developing. The peculiarity of the location of the large cities of the Volga region is in many ways connected with a favorable position from the point of view of the economy and geography. For a long time settlements mainly appeared alongside large trade routes (in this case - near the Volga).

The most important cities in this region

So, we got to know the Volga region a little. Now we should talk about its settlements. The largest cities of the Volga region are Kazan, Samara and Volgograd. They have a population of more than 1 million people. These cities have become real industrial centers, at the moment they continue to actively develop. Do not deprive the attention of other major cities of the Volga region. Among them, it is necessary to say about Saratov, Ulyanovsk, Penza, Astrakhan, Nizhny Novgorod.

Many are also interested in the question of which is the largest city in the Volga region. At the moment, such a settlement is Kazan. Now it is worthwhile to consider in more detail the most important cities of this region.

Kazan

So, it is necessary 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 turnover of goods is carried out. The city is known throughout the country and occupies an important place in the field of economy, science, politics, culture.

Kazan is a very ancient city. Its basis, according to some sources, refers to the year 1005. Thus, it becomes clear that the city has a truly ancient history. Originally, a fortress was formed here. However, already in the XIII century Kazan began to actively develop and grow. Gradually, it became an important center in the Golden Horde. And already in the XV century it became the central city of the Kazan Khanate, to which even Moscow paid tribute. However, Ivan the Terrible took this city, all the resistance was suppressed. Thus, Kazan became part of the Russian state.

Now Kazan is a city with a million population, in 2016 its population was 1216965 people. It is also a large industrial center. It is widely developed machine building, light industry, as well as chemical and petrochemical industries.

Samara

Many are wondering which is the second largest city in terms of population. We have already found out that the largest city of the Volga region is Kazan. The next settlement is Samara. It also occupies an important place in the Volga economic area. According to data for 2016, the city's population is about 1170910 people.

First there was a fortress here. It was laid in 1586. The main purpose of this construction was to control the 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 peasant uprising. At one time, he was even captured by the troops that submitted to Stepan Razin. In the middle of the XIX century the Samara province was created. Thus, this settlement also became its center. At that time, the number of people in these places increased significantly.

For a long time, since 1935, the city had a different name - Kuibyshev. However, in 1991 it was decided to return to its former name. Of particular interest is the fact that here is the longest in our country embankment. Another record - in the city is the highest building of the station in the whole of Europe.

As for the economic component of the city, it is for the most part represented by a different industry. The most developed here is engineering and metalworking. Also in the city there are a lot of food industry enterprises.

Volgograd

Another major city of the Volga region is Volgograd. This settlement also plays an important role in the economic, cultural, scientific and other areas of the entire region. The population of the city in 2016 was 1016137 people. This indicator indicates that this is really a large settlement.

The history of these places is rich in various events. It appeared, like many other cities in the Volga region, near the trade route that ran along the Volga. These lands were long under the rule of the Golden Horde. However, since the beginning of the XV century, it split into several separate khanates. Gradually, the Moscow principality could defeat them. The first mention of the city (then called Tsaritsyn) dates from 1579. The city survived a large number of routines and was restored every time. For example, in 1607, when in Tsaritsyn recognized the authority of False Dmitry II, the city was stormed by order of Vasily Shuisky. Also in the middle of the 17th century peasant uprisings took place here.

From the XVIII to the beginning of the XX century, the city actively developed in the industrial sphere and gradually became the center of the whole region. Now the most developed defense industry, engineering and metallurgy.

Saratov

It is also worth mentioning such a city as Saratov. It is also a major economic component of the Volga region. Its population for 2016 is 843,460 people. It is interesting that this settlement is one of the 20 largest cities in the country, but it is not a city with a million inhabitants.

The date of Saratov's foundation dates back to 1590. Then the fortress was laid here. Earlier here settled the settlements of the Golden Horde. Already in the XVIII 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 by the number of inhabitants.

Thus, not only the largest city of the Volga region, but also other large settlements were considered. We got acquainted with their history and various interesting facts about them.