Geography of Saratov
Saratov, Russia, a city about 450 miles (724 km) southeast of Moscow. It lies on the Volga River, the nation's principal inland waterway, and is a shipping and major manufacturing center. Industries include the making of precision and heavy machinery, chemicals, petroleum products, and processed foods. Saratov's cultural and educational institutions include a university, an opera company, a ballet company, a conservatory, and an art museum.
Saratov was founded in 1590 as a fortified town to protect Russia's southeastern frontier. By 1800 it had become a provincial capital. Increased shipping on the Volga and the building of railways during the 19th century contributed greatly to the city's growth. By the early 1900's Saratov was a major Russian city and a center of flour milling and grain trading. Heavy industries developed after the 1920's, especially during and after World War II.
Population: 856,000.