Country | Russian Federation |
Population | 1349772 |
Area | 1,111 km2 (429 sq mi) |
Time Zone | UTC+5 (MSK+2 [11]) |
Coordinates | 56.8519, 60.6122 |
Highest elevation | 237 m (778 ft) |
City Gallery
City Description
Yekaterinburg, located in the heart of Russia, serves as the administrative centre of Sverdlovsk Oblast and the Ural Federal District. With its strategic location on the Iset River between the Volga-Ural region and Siberia, Yekaterinburg is the fourth-largest city in Russia, boasting a population of approximately 1.5 million residents, which swells to around 2.2 million within its urban agglomeration.
The city, often referred to as the “Third Capital of Russia,” holds significant importance due to its robust economy, vibrant cultural scene, and extensive transportation and tourism infrastructure. Founded on 18 November 1723, Yekaterinburg was named after Catherine I, the wife of Russian Emperor Peter the Great. The city quickly rose to prominence as the mining capital of the Russian Empire and served as a crucial junction between Europe and Asia.
Catherine the Great elevated Yekaterinburg to district town status within Perm Province in 1781 and established the historical Siberian Route through the city, reinforcing its role as a gateway to Siberia’s abundant resources. The late 19th century saw Yekaterinburg emerge as a hub for revolutionary activities in the Urals.
In 1924, during the Soviet era, the city was renamed Sverdlovsk in honor of Bolshevik leader Yakov Sverdlov. Sverdlovsk developed into an industrial and administrative stronghold, contributing significantly to the Soviet Union’s economic might. On 23 September 1991, the city reverted to its original name, Yekaterinburg.
Today, Yekaterinburg is a key economic powerhouse in Russia, renowned for hosting events such as the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The city’s ongoing economic and population growth has led to the construction of some of Russia’s tallest skyscrapers. Additionally, Yekaterinburg is home to the headquarters of the Central Military District of the Russian Armed Forces and the presidium of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
Yekaterinburg’s architectural landscape is celebrated for its constructivist buildings, and the city is also recognized as the “Russian capital of street art,” reflecting its dynamic cultural identity. The blend of historical significance, industrial strength, and cultural vibrancy makes Yekaterinburg a fascinating city with a rich legacy and a promising future.
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