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 entire country. Large cities of the Volga region are also leaders in many indicators. Industry and economy in this 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 itself better. If we define the Volga region, we can say that it includes the territories adjacent to the Volga River. They have long been inhabited because the river was considered an important transport and trade route. Most of The Volga region consists of flat terrain. Lowlands and small hilly areas are common here. The climate of these places is temperate continental, and in some places continental. Weather It's not too harsh here, but winter can be quite cold. Summer in this area is warm, the average temperature in July is usually +22-25 ˚ WITH.

Large 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 in the Volga region is largely due to their advantageous position in terms of economics and geography. Since ancient times, settlements mainly appeared near major trade routes (in in this case- next to the Volga).

The most important cities in this area

So, we got to know the Volga region itself a little. Now it’s worth talking about its settlements. The largest cities in 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, and at the moment they continue to actively develop. Other large cities of the Volga region should not be neglected. 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, such a populated area is Kazan. 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. Interestingly, there is a fairly large port here, with constant cargo turnover. The city is known throughout the country and occupies an important place in the fields of economics, science, politics, and culture.

Kazan is a very ancient city. Its foundation, according to some sources, dates back to 1005. Thus, it becomes clear that the city truly has 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 to which even Moscow paid tribute. However, Ivan the Terrible took this city, all resistance was suppressed. Thus, Kazan became part of the Russian state.

Now Kazan is a city with a population of over a million; 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 production are widely developed here.

Samara

Many people are interested in what settlement is in second place in size. We have already found out that the largest city in the Volga region is Kazan. 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 people.

At first there was a fortress here. It was founded in 1586. The main purpose of such a construction was to control movements along the Volga and prevent raids by nomads and other enemies along the waterways. Samara has a rich history. For example, in the 17th-18th centuries the city became the center of a peasant uprising. At one time it 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 in these places increased markedly.

For a long time, since 1935, the city bore 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. Mechanical engineering and metalworking are the most developed industries here. There are also many food industry enterprises located in the city.

Volgograd

Another large 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. This indicator indicates that this is truly a large settlement.

The history of these places is rich 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 split into several separate khanates. Gradually, the Principality of Moscow was able to defeat them. The first mention of the city (then called Tsaritsyn) dates back to 1579. The city has survived a large number of defeats and was restored each time. For example, in 1607, when power was recognized in Tsaritsyn, the city was taken by storm on the orders of Vasily Shuisky. also in mid-17th century centuries, peasant uprisings took place here.

From the 18th to the beginning of the 20th century, the city actively developed in the industrial sphere and gradually became the center of the entire region. Nowadays, defense production, mechanical engineering and metallurgy are most developed here.

Saratov

A city like Saratov is definitely worth noting. It is also a major economic component of the Volga region. Its population as of 2016 is 843,460 people. It is interesting that this settlement is one of the 20 largest cities in the country, but is not a million-plus city.

Dating back to 1590. Then a fortress was founded 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 in terms of population.

Thus, not only the largest city of the Volga region was considered, but also other large-scale settlements. We learned about their history and various interesting facts about them.

Volga region

Upper Volga landscape

The relief is flat, dominated by lowlands and hilly plains. The climate is temperate continental and continental. Summer is warm, with an average monthly air temperature in July of +22° - +25°C; winter is quite cold, the average monthly air temperature in January and February is −10° - −15°С. The average annual precipitation in the north is 500-600 mm, in the south 200-300 mm. Natural zones: mixed forest (Tatarstan), forest-steppe (Samara, Penza, Ulyanovsk regions), steppe (Saratov and Volgograd regions), semi-deserts (Kalmykia, Astrakhan region). The southern part of the territory is characterized by dust storms and hot winds during the warm half of the year (from April to October).

Povolzhsky economic region

The territory area is 537.4 thousand km², the population is 17 million people, the population density is 25 people/km². The share of the population living in cities is 74%. The Volga economic region includes 94 cities, 3 million-plus cities, and 12 federal subjects. It borders in the north with the Volga-Vyatka region (Central Russia), in the south with the Caspian Sea, in the east with the Ural region and Kazakhstan, in the west with the Central Black Earth region and the North Caucasus. The economic axis is the Volga River.

Volga Federal District

Center - Nizhny Novgorod. The territory of the district is 6.08% of the territory Russian Federation. The population of the Volga Federal District as of January 1, 2008 is 30 million 241 thousand 581 people. (21.3% of the Russian population). The majority of the population consists of city dwellers. For example, in the Samara region this figure is more than 80%, which is generally slightly higher than the all-Russian figure (approximately 73%).

Notes

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Synonyms

See what “Volga region” is in other dictionaries: 1) the territory adjacent to the middle and lower reaches of the Volga and economically gravitating towards it. The elevated right bank (from the Volga region) and the low left bank (the so-called Trans-Volga region) are distinguished. 2) In natural terms, the Volga region is sometimes referred to as... ...

Big Encyclopedic Dictionary

VOLGA REGION, territory along the middle and lower reaches of the Volga. Within the Volga region there are a relatively elevated right bank with the Volga Upland and a low-lying left bank, the so-called. Trans-Volga region. In natural terms, the Volga region is sometimes referred to as... ... Russian history Noun, number of synonyms: 1 territory (20) ASIS Dictionary of Synonyms. V.N. Trishin. 2013…

Geogr. region in the bass R. Volga, subdivided into Verkh. (to Kazan), Avg. (Kazan - Saratov) and Nizhny. (below Saratov) Volga region. On the right bank there is the Volga elevation, on the left bank there is a terraced lowland. Trans-Volga region. Dictionary of modern geographical... ... Geographical encyclopedia

1) the territory adjacent to the middle and lower reaches of the Volga and economically gravitating towards it. There are an elevated right bank (with the Volga Upland) and a low left bank (the so-called Trans-Volga region). 2) In natural relation to... ... encyclopedic Dictionary

The territory adjacent to the middle and lower reaches of the Volga or located close to it and economically gravitating towards it. Within the borders of P. there are a relatively elevated right bank with the Volga Upland (See Privolzhskaya ... ... Great Soviet Encyclopedia

Volga region- Pov Olga, I (to V olga) ... Russian spelling dictionary

Volga region- Volga region, territory along the middle and lower reaches of the Volga. Within the borders of P. there are a relatively elevated right bank from the Volga Upland and a low-lying left bank, the so-called Trans-Volga region. In natural terms, P. is sometimes also referred to as... Dictionary "Geography of Russia"

Volga region- VOLGA REGION, includes Tatar, Kalmyk AS, Ulyanovsk, Penza, Kuibyshev, Saratov, Volgograd (until 1961 Stalingrad), Astrakhan regions. In the pre-war years. The five-year plan (192940) created a powerful industrial base in Poland... Great Patriotic War 1941-1945: encyclopedia

Train No. 133A/133G “Volga region” ... Wikipedia

Povolzhsky economic region is one of 12 similar regions of Russia. It is one of the largest regions of the country, part of the Center-Ural-Volga region axis.

Composition of the district

The Volga region includes 8 subjects of the Central part of the state:

• 2 republics – Tatarstan and Kalmykia;
• 6 areas – Penza, Saratov, Samara, Ulyanovsk, Volgograd and Astrakhan.

Rice. 1 Volga region. Map

Location

If you follow the map, the location of the Volga economic region is as follows:

• Middle Volga region ;
• Lower Volga region ;
• Sura River Basin (Penza region);
• Prikamye (most of Tatarstan).

Its area is about 537.4 thousand km². The central geographic (and economic) axis is the Volga River.

Rice. 2 Volga

The area borders on:

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• Volga-Vyatka region (north);
• Ural region (east);
• Kazakhstan (east);
• Central Chernozem region (west);
• Northern Caucasus (west).

The area has access to the inland Caspian Sea, which allows it to successful trading and carry out maritime transport links with countries such as Turkmenistan, Iran, and Azerbaijan. Through a system of canals, the region has access to the Black, Azov, Baltic and White Seas. Through these seas, the region establishes ties with the countries of Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

The region includes 94 large cities, three of which are million-plus cities: Kazan, Samara, Volgograd. Also large cities are Penza, Togliatti, Astrakhan, Saratov, Ulyanovsk, Engels.

From a geographical point of view, the region occupies vast areas

• forests (north);
• semi-desert (southeast);
• steppes (east).

Population of the Volga economic region

The population of the region is 17 million people, that is, almost 12% of the total population of the Russian Federation (with a population density of 1 person per 25 square meters). 74% of the population lives in cities, so the proportion of urbanization is significant. Ethnic composition population:

• Russians ;
• Tatars ;
• Kalmyks ;
• small ethnic group s: Chuvash, Mordovians, Mari and Kazakhs (the latter are most numerous in the Astrakhan region).

Specialization of the Volga region

The Volga region is characterized by a developed industrial and agricultural sector. Industrial specialization:

• oil production and oil refining (Samara region and Tatarstan, Caspian shelves);
• gas production (shelves of the Caspian Sea and the Astrakhan region; according to world statistics, the Astrakhan region contains 6% of the total world gas reserves);
• chemical industry (extraction and processing of shale, bromine, iodine, manganese salt, native sulfur, glass sand, gypsum, chalk);
• Salt mining and salt processing (in lakes; Caspian lowland contains more than 2 million tons of natural salt, which is 80% of all Russian reserves);
• mechanical engineering (in particular, automotive industry: VAZ in Togliatti, KAMAZ in Naberezhnye Chelny, UAZ in Ulyanovsk, trolleybus plant in the city of Engels; shipbuilding: in Volgograd and Astrakhan; aircraft manufacturing: Kazan, Penza, Samara).

Figure 3. VAZ in Tolyatti

In industrial terms, the Volga region is divided into two large regions (industrial zones):

• Volga-Kama (Tatarstan, Samara and Ulyanovsk regions) - center in Kazan;
• Nizhnevolzhskaya (Kalmykia, Astrakhan, Penza, Saratov and Volgograd regions) - center in Volgograd.

According to statistics, the Volga region ranks fourth in Russia in industrial output, second in oil production and refining, and second in mechanical engineering. As for oil refining, it is in the Volga region that such world giants as LUKoil, YUKOS and Gazprom, which are developing the northern shelves of the Caspian Sea, have concentrated their main capacities.

Rice. 4 Oil production in the Caspian Sea

Agricultural specialization:

• cultivation of oilseed crops;
• growing grain crops;
• growing vegetable and melon crops;
• livestock farming (dairy farming, sheep farming, pig farming);
• fishing industry (Volgograd and Astrakhan).

A special role in the agricultural life of the region is played by the Volga-Akhtuba floodplain with powerful river “pumps” that create favorable conditions for the development of all types Agriculture.

The main economic center of the region is the city of Samara.

What have we learned?

The characteristics of the Volga economic region are quite complex. This is due to the fact that it is the connecting link between the center of Russia and its Asian part. The region includes such large and rapidly developing entities as the Republic of Tatarstan (the titular nation of which is the Tatars). The area is developed both industrially and agriculturally. The main transport, economic and geographical axis is the Volga River.

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As you already know, there are three millionaire cities in the Volga region

: Kazan, Samara and Volgograd. Let's take a closer look at their economic and geographical position - won't it tell us why these particular cities became the largest? Kazan is located at the turn of the Volga, which almost here receives its largest left tributary, the Kama.

Founded by the Bulgars in 1177, the city initially served as a border fortress protecting the northwestern borders of the Volga-Kama Bulgaria. After the defeat of Bulgaria by the Mongol-Tatars (in the 13th century), the city became part of the Golden Horde, and after its collapse - the center of the Kazan Khanate (XV -XVI centuries). In 1552, Kazan was stormed by the troops of Ivan the Terrible, and since then it has been one of the largest cities in Russia.

In 1804, one of the first Russian universities was founded in Kazan; Leo Tolstoy and Vladimir Ulyanov (Lenin) studied here: among the professors, N. I. Lobachevsky, the creator of non-Euclidean geometry, received the greatest fame.

In the 1930-1960s. large industrial enterprises are being built in Kazan: aircraft, helicopter and engine manufacturing; fur factory (the largest in Russia), etc. The city becomes one of the largest centers higher education(more than 15 universities). The peculiarity of Kazan as a cultural center is its “service” to the entire Tatar population of Russia and the CIS. Publishing literature in the Tatar language, radio and television broadcasting, training teachers of language and literature for Tatar schools - Kazan provides all this to all other regions of Russia where Tatars live.

Samara arose in 1586 as a guard fortress in a place where the Volga makes a large arc, going as far as possible to the east. Therefore, by its very geographical location, the city was destined to become a base for the development of vast spaces of the Trans-Volga region, especially since the Samara River flowing into the Volga (after which the city is named) allows access almost to the Ural River.

The city developed primarily as a center for trade in horses, cattle, leather, lard, wool, and later grain (at the beginning of the 20th century it was the largest flour milling center in Russia). It became a provincial center in 1851. late XIX V. Railways to Siberia and Central Asia pass through the city. Thus, Samara finds itself at the intersection of the main river of Russia and the main railways. In 1941, a Moscow aircraft plant, two bearing plants, and many other enterprises from the western regions of the country were evacuated to Samara (or rather, to Kuibyshev - that’s what the city was called from 1935 to 1990). The USSR government and foreign embassies moved here.

Now Samara is one of the largest industrial centers in Russia with a developed military-industrial complex, production of civil aircraft and engines, machine tools and much more. After the start of oil production in the Volga region, oil refining arose in Samara. The products of the Rossiya confectionery factory are widely known - one of the best in the country.

Tsaritsyn, like Samara, arose as a wooden guard fortress in 1589. Here the Volga is closest to the Don, and a portage has existed in this place for a long time. The Tsaritsyn fortress was supposed to serve to defend the Volga route and “transport” from nomads and robbers.

At the end of the 19th century. The rapid commercial and industrial development of the city begins. In 1862, the very first railway in the south of Russia, Tsaritsyn - Kalach-on-Don, was built (almost along the line of the ancient portage), connecting the Volga and Don basins. Later, roads to Moscow and the North Caucasus were built. Tsaritsyn becomes the center of trade for Baku oil, grain, fish, salt, watermelons, and timber. In 1918, during Civil War, Tsaritsyn turned out to be the most important link transport route, which supplied grain from the North Caucasus to Central Russia (since the path through Rostov was cut), therefore the defense of Tsaritsyn (from the Don Cossacks, who sided with the Whites) played a decisive role in the 1918 campaign.

During the Soviet period (1920), Tsaritsyn became a provincial center (in 1925 the city was renamed Stalingrad, and in 1961 - Volgograd). In the 1930s it begins the construction of new large factories, including a tractor plant - one of the largest in the world.

The tractor plant was to be built in the walled zone (where there is the greatest need for tractors), in an area with the best transport accessibility (that is, on one of the highways passing through steppe zone, for example on largest river) and preferably in the place that is closest to the raw material base, that is, to the center of metal production. Such a place on the Volga, as close as possible to Donbass, was Stalingrad. According to N. N. Baransky, yes. almost mathematically precise, we arrive at the single best point for building a plant. Stalingrad gained worldwide fame during the Great Patriotic War, when the victory in the battle that lasted six months became a turning point in the fate of the entire war. It was necessary for the Nazi troops to capture the city on the Volga and block the most important waterway. Stalingrad became the last point where the Nazis were able to reach in their advance to the east.

The city was almost completely destroyed and had to be rebuilt. After the war, new industrial construction continued in the city: a powerful power plant was put into operation. an aluminum smelter, an oil refinery, several defense enterprises, a processing metallurgical plant is expanding, the Volga-Don Canal is being built, etc.

Thus, each of the “key” points on the Volga gave rise to the development of a large city. Each of them has become a millionaire city, each now has various functions: industrial, transport, trade, administrative, scientific, cultural, educational and others. But the history of these cities developed differently, and as a result, each of them developed its own specific combination of these functions; each was characterized by a different degree of their development. Volgograd turned out to be the “most industrial”, the last to receive administrative functions; “cultural- educational" functions turned out to be most developed in Kazan - the oldest of the cities considered and which had long played a "capital" role (the center of the khanate, then the province, then one of the largest republics of Russia).

The Volga region is a densely populated, old-developed region with a mosaic multinational population, an area of ​​powerful diversified industry, developed agriculture and an extensive transport system. The basis of the region's economy is made up of interconnected machine-building industries. fuel and energy, chemical and agro-industrial complexes. There are many large cities in the Volga region, the emergence and development of which is largely due to their favorable economic and geographical location.

Russia is an incredibly huge country with wonderful and diverse nature. In each part of it you can see truly unique climatic conditions. A region like the Volga region is no exception. The natural resources located here are striking in their special wealth. For example, these places have some of the most favorable conditions for farming and growing different cultures. In the article we'll talk about what the Volga region is, where it is located and what resources it is rich in.

General characteristics of the area

To begin with, it is worth defining the Volga region. This word can be heard quite often, but not everyone knows exactly where it is located. So, this is a geographical area that includes several large territories. Generally speaking, it includes the territories adjacent to the Volga River. Thus, it can be noted that in the Volga region there are several parts - the middle and lower reaches of the river. These areas are heavily dependent on the river economically. From point of view natural areas, the Volga region also includes territories that are located in the upper reaches of the river. This is truly a significant part of Russia, which makes a huge contribution to the economy and industry of the entire country, largely due to its favorable climate. and the resources of the Volga region help this area produce large quantities of livestock and agricultural products.

Where is this area located?

Now it’s worth telling more precisely where these wonderful territories are located. as already mentioned, it significantly contributes to the development of many sectors of the economy. It would be interesting to know which regions are included in it. Among them are:

• Upper Volga (this includes regions such as Moscow, Yaroslavl, Kostroma and others);
• Middle Volga (includes Ulyanovsk and Samara regions, and others);
• Lower Volga (includes the Republic of Tatarstan, several regions: Ulyanovsk, Saratov and others).

Thus, it becomes clear that this area truly covers a huge area. So we've looked at geographical position Volga region, and now it’s worth talking about its natural and climatic conditions.

Climate of the Volga region

If we consider such a large geographical area, of course, it is necessary to talk separately about its climate, since in different parts it can be very different. As for the relief, plains and lowlands predominate here. The climate in some parts of the region is temperate continental, in others it is continental. Summer is usually warm, in July the average temperature reaches about +22 - +25 C. Winter is relatively cold, the average January temperature ranges from -10 C to -15 C.

It is also interesting to consider the natural areas in which the Volga region lies. They also vary greatly from north to south of the region. This includes mixed forest, forest-steppe, steppe and even semi-deserts. Thus, it becomes clear what climatic and natural zones the Volga region covers. Natural resources are also found here in large quantities. It is worth telling more about them.

What natural resources is the Volga region rich in: water, agricultural, oil

Since the area covers a large number of natural areas, we can safely talk about the diversity of resources in it. Of course, first of all, it is worth noting that the Volga region is rich in water resources. With their help, the area receives a significant amount of electricity. There are many hydroelectric power stations located on the Volga, among which we can especially note the hydroelectric power stations in Dubna, Uglich and Rybinsk, in Cheboksary. You can also often hear about Zhigulevskaya, Saratovskaya and Thus, we can say that water resources constitute a significant proportion in the area.

The Volga region is also rich in fertile soils, which are also represented here by black soil, which is conducive to the cultivation of agricultural crops. If we talk about the economy of the region in general, then most of it is occupied by fodder crops (almost 70%), as well as grains (more than 20%). You can also often find vegetable and melon crops (about 4%).

It is also necessary to note the oil resources in the Volga region. Oil was found here a very long time ago, but its production in the area began in the middle of the 20th century. Now there are about 150 deposits that are actively being developed. The largest number of them are located in Tatarstan, as well as in the Samara region.

Other natural resources

It is worth telling about other things that the Volga region is rich in. Natural resources here, as already mentioned, are very diverse. Many people like to relax on the Volga, and this is not at all surprising. The area is well-saturated with recreational resources. Holidays in these places have always been popular; the local nature perfectly promotes relaxation. Such popularity of tourism in the Volga region is due to the favorable climate, as well as the large number of cultural monuments and attractions in these places.

Among natural resources, it is worth highlighting biological ones. In the Volga region there is great amount animals, both forage and wild. There are many species of birds found here. In the reservoirs of the Volga region you can also find different kinds fish There are even rare sturgeon species found here.

So, now we know what you can see when going to the Volga region. The natural resources here amaze with their abundance and diversity.

Population of the area

Now it’s worth talking separately about the area. Conventionally, the region can be divided into several parts, among which stands out. It includes Mordovia, Bashkiria, Penza region and Perm region. The population here is about 30 million people. Most people live in cities.

Volga-Vyatka economic region. A significant number of people live here less people than in the previous area. The population is about 7.5 million people. Most also live in large populated areas.

The population in this area is about 17 million people. Of these, more than 70% live in cities.

Now it becomes clear that the Volga region is a truly large region, the population of which is extremely large. In addition, there are many large settlements located here, some of them are cities with a population of over a million. Thus, we examined in detail the Volga region, population, Natural resources and the economy of the area. It really is of great importance for the whole country.