Area

100,200 square kilometers.

Geographic Location

Saratov is located on the high ground of the right bank of the lower Volga River, 720 kilometers northwest of Moscow.

Population

836,000.

Introduction

Founded in 1590 on the left bank of the Volga River as its earliest ferry crossing, the city was relocated to the right bank in 1674 and granted city status in 1780. It was a prominent center for grain trade and sawmilling in the Russian Empire. Following World War II, with the development of the Volga-Ural oil field and the Saratov gas field, modern industry developed rapidly. At the same time, Saratov is a key station connecting Moscow and Uralsk, and an important river port on the Volga River, with oil and gas pipelines extending to Moscow and other places. The city has over ten higher education institutions, the Grain Research Institute and other research institutions, as well as the Chernyshevsky House Museum. Culturally vibrant, Saratov has named its central square Chernyshevsky Square in honor of the great writer, who endured over 20 years of exile and hard labor under tsarist rule. Near the square’s northern side stands the Radishchev Art Museum, known as the “Hermitage on the Volga.”

Industry

Its major industries include mechanical manufacturing (machinery, agricultural machinery, diesel engines, aircraft, petrochemical machinery), petrochemical industry, and food processing. At the same time, as a large-scale comprehensive industrial zone, Saratov has an oil refinery with annual processing capacity of 8 million tons and a chemical complex.

Agriculture

It is rich in wheat, rye, corn, sunflowers and tobacco. The breeding of cattle for meat and sheep for wool is the dominant industry.

Tourism

The Rajeshiv Art Museum, opened in 1885 on Rajeshiv Street, showcases a large collection of paintings, sculptures, porcelain, and furniture. The Moscow Street in the city leads to the museum square, where the old Saratov ruins are also notable.

Transportation

As an important railway hub, Saratov is a key station connecting the two major cities of Moscow and Uralsk with four railways converge.

Date of Sister-city Relationship Establishment:

December 8, 1995.