Geography of Omsk
Omsk, Russia, one of the largest cities in Siberia. It lies on the southern plains of western Siberia, where the Trans-Siberian Railway crosses the Irtysh River. Omsk is a major transportation and industrial center. In addition to rail, air, and water transport facilities, it is served by petroleum pipelines and highways. Omsk is connected by pipeline with the large oil fields of the Volga-Urals region and western Siberia.
Industries include petroleum refining and the production of petrochemicals, cotton textiles, and machinery, especially tractors and farm equipment. The surrounding region is a major producer of wheat and livestock. The city's educational institutions include Omsk State University, a polytechnical institute, and a medical and an agricultural college. Omsk also has a fine-arts museum.
Omsk was founded as a Russian fortress at the edge of Peter the Great's empire in 1716. It grew as an administrative and commercial center and in the late 1890's was the largest city in Siberia. Omsk was a center of anti-Bolshevism during the Russian Revolution.
Population: 1,148,000.