The Origin of Saint Petersburg’s Name, Russia
Saint Petersburg is the second largest city in Russia after Moscow. Russians commonly refer to this city as Peterburg. Since its founding in 1703, the city’s name has changed several times. The current Saint Petersburg was originally called Petrograd, and later renamed Leningrad. However, after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the city reverted to its original name, Saint Petersburg.
Geographical Coordinates of Saint Petersburg, Russia
Saint Petersburg is one of the most beautiful and tourist-friendly cities in Russia, located in the northwest of the country and serving as the administrative center of Leningrad Oblast. Interestingly, it is recognized as the northernmost city with a large population in the world, and it is the second most populous city in Russia after Moscow. The city’s unique geographical coordinates cause the summer days to be at their longest and the nights at their shortest. In fact, true night does not occur during this season, and the city experiences twilight throughout the night.
Climate
The city experiences mild summers and cold winters, with winds blowing from the Neva River. Saint Petersburg holds the record for the longest day in summer, lasting 18 hours and 50 minutes—a phenomenon famously known as the “White Nights.” Conversely, during winter, the city has the shortest day, lasting only 5 hours and 51 minutes.
White Nights of Saint Petersburg, Russia
You might find it hard to believe, but this city is known as the most populous northern city in the world, with a unique geographical location. In early summer, due to the extended daylight hours, the city experiences only one or two hours of twilight, during which it remains in semi-darkness. This unique phenomenon is famously known as the “White Nights.”
Airports
The city has 5 metro lines and 72 stations, covering a total length of approximately 115 kilometers. It is also served by an international airport called Pulkovo, which dates back to the Soviet era and was established in 1932. In addition, Saint Petersburg has two other airports, both of which are military and not used for public transportation.
Universities in Saint Petersburg, Russia
Saint Petersburg is home to some of Russia’s most prestigious and historic universities. One of the most prominent is Saint Petersburg State University (SPbU), founded in 1724, making it one of the oldest universities in the country. It is known for its strong academic programs in science, humanities, law, and international relations.
Another leading institution is the Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, which specializes in engineering, physics, and technology, and is highly regarded for its research output.
Also noteworthy is the ITMO University, internationally recognized for its innovation in information technology, robotics, and computer science. It regularly ranks among the top universities in global programming and tech competitions.
Other respected institutions include the Herzen State Pedagogical University, Saint Petersburg State University of Economics, and the Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering.
These universities attract students from across Russia and around the world, offering high-quality education and a rich cultural environment.
- North-Western State Medical University named after Mechnikov
- Presidential Academy
- saint petersburg state pediatric medical
- Pavlov University
