Several settlements unofficially compete for the title "Southern Capital of Russia". Among them are such famous cities as Rostov-on-Don, Sochi and Krasnodar.
Krasnodar at the beginning of the XX century. for a short time visited the undeclared capital of White Guard Russia.
Sochi is a famous resort, the largest settlement on the Black Sea coast.
District capital
What kind of titles is not awarded to Rostov-on-Don. It is called the Caucasus Gate, and the capital of combines, and just Rostov-papa.
But above all, it is the capital of the Southern District of Russia.
The Southern Federal District (SFD) unites 8 constituent entities of the Russian Federation:
- Rostov, Volgograd and Astrakhan regions.
- Krasnodar region.
- 3 republics - Adygea, Kalmykia and the recently entered Crimea.
- 1 city of federal significance - Sevastopol.
The area of the entire district is over 447 thousand square meters. km, a population of more than 16 million people.
Among the cities of the Southern Federal District, Rostov-on-Don is the most numerous: more than 1.1 million people live in it. Rostov-on-Don is the 10th largest country in terms of population.
Location of the southern capital
It is no coincidence that Rostov is the southern capital of Russia: the city has an excellent geographical location, which provides the logistical advantage of the region.
The federal highway M-4 passes through the city, which connects Moscow with the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus, as well as the regional roads R-268, A-135, A-280. The railway passing through the Don city connects St. Petersburg with the Caucasus; therefore, the North Caucasian Railway is located in the city.
Rostov is located at once on several rivers: Don, Dead Donets and Temernik. In the vicinity there are also lakes, springs, reservoirs, among which the most extensive are the North and Rostov Sea.
The southern capital of Russia is the largest transport hub. Numerous railway and water transport routes pass through Rostov-on-Don:
- Rostov is affectionately called the port of 5 seas; the city has a river station and a seaport.
- Railway station, main and suburban.
- The main and suburban bus stations, as well as about 20 bus stations.
- Platov - an international class airport.
Donskoy Rostov - the military center of the region
In 2008, Rostov-on-Don was awarded the honorary title "City of Military Glory."
Since 2010, the headquarters of the Southern Military District (Southeast Military District) has been located here. The Southeast Military District includes the Caspian Flotilla and the Black Sea Fleet, the Air Defense Command, the Air Force, as well as the 58th and 49th armies.
Economic development
Rostov-on-Don is the southern capital of Russia, but it has several more unofficial names associated with its economic situation: the merchant and Don Babylon. Compared to other cities in the southern region, Rostov-on-Don has the most developed industry and economy.
50% of the turnover in the Southern Okrug is accounted for by Rostov — more than 30 billion rubles a year. Such enterprises as Taurus, Pribor, Diamond, Gloria Jeans are known far beyond the region.
The products of the Rostselmash plant account for more than half of those on the Russian market. In Rostov-on-Don, enterprises producing military and sophisticated electronic equipment successfully operate:
- The Rosvertol plant is the only one in the country that produces helicopters of various brands.
- Horizon produces navigation radars.
- "Quantum" - means of orientation in space.
The agricultural products of Donskoy Tobacco and South of Russia are widely known.
Administrative division
The southern capital of Russia consists of 8 districts. The largest in area is Sovetsky (85 sq. Km), the most densely populated - Voroshilovsky (218 thousand people). Leninsky district is small (13 sq. Km), the least people live in Kirovsky district (63.5 thousand people). Also, the city has Zheleznodorozhny, Pervomaisky, Proletarsky and Oktyabrsky districts.
The City Duma, consisting of 40 deputies, appoints a city manager - the head of the administration.
sights
The southern capital of Russia has a long history. The city was founded at the end of the XVIII century. as a place for collecting trade duties. It was then called the Temernitsky Customs. To protect the southern borders and trade routes, a fortress was soon built, which at different times was led by Ushakov and Suvorov.
The southern capital of Russia received the status of the city in 1807, and its own coat of arms in 1811. The anthem appeared in 1941.
Like any old city, Rostov-on-Don is famous for its attractions that give it uniqueness and create a cozy atmosphere. The city has many interesting objects:
- more than 500 architectural monuments;
- many archaeological sites;
- several memorial complexes were created;
- More than 100 monuments of military glory.
There are surprisingly many interesting and funny objects in the city: tourists like to be photographed next to the plumbing monument or water supply.
Decoration of Rostov-on-Don - Bolshaya Sadovaya street and embankment. They are decorated with numerous art objects, green areas, where you can relax on the benches or stop by the cafe.
In the area of the Botanical Garden of Rostov-on-Don (more than 160 hectares) 6500 species of shrubs and trees grow.
