Rostov region Geography

Rostov region was established September 13, 1937, it is situated at the south of the Eastern European plain and at the Ciscaucasia. The region is washed by the Taganrog bay of the Azov sea, the following rivers flow within its territory: the Don, one of the largest rivers in Europe, with multiple branches and tributaries, the Seversky Donets. Within the region territory there are: lake Manych-Gudilo and three reservoirs - Tsymlyanskoye, Veselovskoye, Proletarskoye. Rostov region boarders to the south with Stavropol and Krasnodar regions, to the west and north-west – with Ukraine, to the north – with Voronezh region, to the north-east – with Volgograd region, to the east and south-east – with the republic of Kalmykia.

 Rostov region comprises 463 municipal units, consisting of 12 town districts, 43 municipal districts, 18 town settlements, 390 rural settlements.

 Rostov region is one of most densely populated regions in Russia. The majority of population are the Russians, a part of them consider themselves the Don Cossacks. The region population is 4404,013 thousand people (according to population census of 2002), more than 2/3 of the population live in towns. By the number of population, the region takes the 5th place in Russia.

 The region administrative centre is city of Rostov-on-Don, with the population of over 1 million people, a large industrial, cultural and scientific centre, river port, relevant transportation junction. In 2002 the city became the capital of the Southern Federal district, gaining additional political and economical significance.

 Rostov region is one of the most highly economically developed regions in Russia, with a big number of large industrial enterprises. The region has rich reserves of fuel and energetic resources (coal, oil and gas). A part of the Donets coal basin is situated within the region territory. The region has favorable conditions for grain production and agriculture. The largest towns of Rostov region are: Taganrog, Shakhty, Novocherkassk, Volgodonsk and Novoshakhtinsk.

 The nature of the Rostov region, of the Don land is unique, comprising endless steppes and forest lands. The beauty of the Don land attracts many tourists, who want to see the wonderful natural preserves of the colorful Don land nature.