RostovonDon

RostovonDon, also written Rostov-on-Don, is a city in southwestern Russia. It is the administrative center of Rostov Oblast and the seat of the Southern Federal District. The city sits on the banks of the Don River near its delta, close to the Sea of Azov. With a population of about 1.1 million, it ranks among Russia's larger urban centers and serves as a major economic and cultural hub in the region.

Founded in 1749 as a southern fortress to defend the empire's borders, Rostov-on-Don expanded as a trade and naval base and became an important port and railway junction in the 19th century. The name Rostov-on-Don distinguishes it from Rostov Veliky in Yaroslavl Oblast.

Economy and transport: The city is a major port on the Don and a logistics hub for southern Russia. Key industries include metallurgy, machine building, food processing, and chemicals, with tertiary sectors and services expanding in recent decades. Rostov-on-Don is served by Rostov International Airport (ROV) and a broad rail network, located on the North Caucasus Railway. The Don River supports river traffic and canal connections.

Education and culture: The city hosts several higher education institutions, including Southern Federal University and Don State Technical University. Cultural institutions include the Rostov Academic Drama Theatre, Don Opera and Ballet Theatre, and the Don State Philharmonic, along with museums and galleries. The city features historic neighborhoods, parks along the river, and a developing modern urban center.

Climate and sports: Rostov-on-Don has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. The city is home to FC Rostov, a competitive Russian Premier League club that plays at Rostov Arena.