Country | Ukraine |
Population | 603904 |
Area | 431 km2 (166 sq mi) |
Time Zone | UTC+2 (EET) |
Coordinates | 47.90572, 33.39404 |
Highest elevation | 84 m (276 ft) |
City Gallery
City Description
Kryvyi Rih, also known as Krivoy Rog, is a significant city located in central Ukraine, serving as the administrative center of Kryvyi Rih Raion and its subordinate Kryvyi Rih urban hromada in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. It is part of the Kryvyi Rih Metropolitan Region. With an estimated population of 603,904 as of 2022, Kryvyi Rih is the seventh-most populous city in Ukraine and the second largest by area. Reputed to be the longest city in Europe, it stretches along the confluence of the Saksahan and Inhulets rivers.
Founded in 1775 as a military staging post, Kryvyi Rih experienced substantial urban and industrial growth in the 1880s due to significant Belgian, French, and British investment in the region’s rich iron-ore deposits, known as Kryvbas. The city was granted city status after the October Revolution in 1919, marking the beginning of its transformation into a major industrial hub.
The era of Stalin’s industrialization saw the establishment of Kryvorizhstal in 1934, which became the largest integrated metallurgical works in the Soviet Union. During World War II, Kryvyi Rih endured a brutal German occupation but experienced renewed growth post-war until the 1970s. The city’s industrial capacity and workforce made it a critical component of the Soviet Union’s metallurgical industry.
Geographically, Kryvyi Rih is uniquely elongated, following the river valleys of Saksahan and Inhulets, which contribute to its claim as Europe’s longest city. The city’s terrain is primarily flat, with some areas characterized by industrial landscapes due to extensive mining activities.
Culturally, Kryvyi Rih boasts a diverse heritage, with influences from its early settlers and significant European investment during the 19th century. The city is home to various cultural institutions, including theaters, museums, and art galleries, reflecting its rich historical and industrial past. Local festivals and events celebrate the city’s industrial heritage and multicultural community.
The human resources in Kryvyi Rih are significantly shaped by its industrial background. The city hosts several educational institutions, including Kryvyi Rih National University, which focuses on mining, metallurgy, and engineering, aligning with the city’s economic activities. The workforce is skilled in industrial and technical fields, supporting the city’s primary economic sectors.
Economically, Kryvyi Rih remains a vital industrial center, particularly known for its iron ore mining and metallurgical industries. The privatization of Kryvorizhstal in 2005, which attracted significant foreign and private investment, marked a turning point for the city’s economic regeneration. This investment facilitated modernization efforts and improved industrial output, although the city still faces economic challenges, including labor disputes and strikes since 2017.
In recent history, the city has faced significant challenges due to the geopolitical situation in Ukraine. During the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Russian forces advanced towards Kryvyi Rih from occupied Crimea, halting about 50 km south of the city by March 2022. Since then, Kryvyi Rih has been a frequent target of missile strikes, affecting its infrastructure and civilian life.
Despite these challenges, Kryvyi Rih continues to be a resilient city, leveraging its rich industrial heritage, strategic geographical location, and skilled workforce to navigate its economic and social landscape. The city’s ability to adapt and regenerate in the face of adversity highlights its importance within Ukraine and its potential for future growth and development.
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