The Origin of the Name of Volgograd, Russia
The city of Volgograd was established around the year 1555 at the confluence of the Tsaritsa and Volga Rivers, located in the southeastern part of European Russia. The city originally took its name from the Tsaritsa River. In 1925, it was renamed Stalingrad in honor of Joseph Stalin. However, following the exposure of Stalin’s true character, the city’s name was changed to Volgograd in 1961 by decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet.
Features of the City of Volgograd, Russia
Volgograd is the administrative center of Volgograd Oblast and has a population of approximately one million people according to the latest census. It is also considered one of Russia’s major industrial cities. Its industries include shipbuilding, oil refining, steel and aluminum production, machinery manufacturing, and heavy vehicle production at the Volgograd Tractor Plant and Titan-Barrikady Factory, as well as chemical manufacturing. The large Volgograd hydroelectric power station is located a short distance north of the city. The city is home to the longest street in Russia, “Prospekt Lenina,” which stretches about 50 kilometers. Additionally, Volgograd was the first city in Russia to have a tram system.
Geographical Location
The region stretches approximately 400 kilometers from north to south and east to west, covering an area of about 114,000 square kilometers. Volgograd occupies a strategic geographical position, providing access to countries such as Iran, Ukraine, the Caucasus, and Kazakhstan. The flight time from Moscow to Volgograd is about 2 hours, with approximately five flights operating daily on this route.
Climate of Volgograd, Russia
The climate of this city is relatively dry and continental. The average annual rainfall is about 500 mm in the northwest and approximately 270 mm in the southwest. The highest recorded temperature in the region is +46°C, while the lowest recorded temperature is -41°C. Winter begins in early December and lasts for nearly 90 days. Spring is usually short, occurring from March to April. Summer starts in May and lasts for about three and a half months, followed by autumn, which continues until early December.
Airport
Located 15 kilometers from the city center, Gumrak International Airport was established in 1952. Volgograd hosted the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and as a result, extensive renovations of the airport and its terminal complexes began in August 2014. The project was completed in August 2016, with Terminal C opening to serve international flights.
Universities
One of the reputable universities in this region is Volgograd State University, which we will explain in more detail in the section below.
