Rostov-on-Don

In addition to serving as the administrative hub for Rostov Oblast and Russia's Southern Federal District, Rostov-on-Don is a port city. It is located 32 kilometers (20 miles) from the Sea of Azov, on the Don River, in the southeasterly region of the East European Plain, straight to the north of the North Caucasus. The Don river delta is above the city's southwest suburbs. With a population of over a million, Rostov-on-Don is a significant cultural hub of Southern Russia.

The region near the Don River's mouth has been significant culturally and economically since antiquity. The Scythian and Sarmatian tribes were among the original occupants of the area. It was the location of the ancient Greek settlement Tanais, Fort Tana during the Genoese occupation, and Fort Azak during the Ottoman Empire.

Rostov's advantageous location at a commercial intersection encourages economic growth. A significant maritime route linking Russia's southwest and north is the Don River. Russian, Italian, Greek, and Turkish traders sell commodities like wool, wheat, and oil from Rostov-on-Don. Additionally, it serves as a significant passenger river port. One-third of Russia's vegetable oil is produced in the Rostov-on-Don agricultural region from sunflowers.

Population - 2021: 1,137,704