Volga region composition. Volga region: economic and geographical characteristics What natural conditions determined the location of the peoples of the Volga region
The nature of the Volga region is rich and diverse. From north to south, along the Volga, coniferous forests give way to deciduous ones, forest-steppes are adjacent to vast steppe expanses, turning into an arid semi-desert.
Relief
The Volga region is mainly characterized by flat terrain, with a slope from the Valdai Upland in the north of the territory to the Caspian Lowland in the south. The right bank of the Volga is occupied by hills, the average heights of which are 200-250 m. The highest relief marks in the Zhiguli Mountains do not exceed 400 m. The slopes of these mountains fall sharply towards the Volga. Heavily cut by a network of ravines and gullies, in some places they form picturesque relief forms - ribbed accumulations of rocks composed of limestone rocks. The left bank consists of flat terraces above the floodplain, crossing the syrts. Their average heights range from 100-150 m.
Geomorphological uniques
The Khvalynskie Mountains (Saratov Volga region) is a paleontological monument of the Cretaceous period. Due to calcareous deposits, the mountains are white, they are called Cretaceous. The sediments contain a huge number of remains of cephalopods that lived in the warm, shallow seas of the Mesozoic era.
Samara Luka, the northern elevated part of the Zhiguli Mountains (Samara region) is a natural and historical monument of world significance, included in UNESCO catalogs. The uniqueness lies in the fact that Luka is composed of rocks of Paleozoic origin, while the neighboring territories are composed of rocks of Mesozoic and Cenozoic age. The reason for its occurrence is active tectonic movements at the beginning of the Cenozoic.
Climatic features
Most of the Volga region is located in the zone of temperate continental climate, in the south there is a continental climate. The entire territory is characterized by severe frosty winters with temperature minimums down to -30-35°C, and in summer the weather is hot and dry with temperature maximums of +28+37°C. Average temperatures in January increase from north to south from -16°C to -9°C, and in July - from +16°C to +25°C. Precipitation throughout the Volga region falls slightly from 600 mm/year in the north of the territory, in the Middle Volga 400-450 mm/year, and in the Lower Volga region moisture is insufficient - 200-250 mm/year. Droughts are frequent in the Left Bank region.
Inland waters
The world of inland waters of the Volga region is rich and diverse. The main river, the Volga, stretches from north to south of this natural area. This is the most abundant river, its basin area is more than 1300 thousand km2. On its way, the Volga receives about 200 tributaries of various sizes. The largest of them are the Oka and Kama rivers. Another large river system in the Volga region is the Don with its tributaries.
Hydrological uniqueness
The Bolshoi Irgiz River holds the Guinness Book record as the most winding river in Europe. Refers to rivers with a meandering channel, i.e. carries its waters, winding strongly along the steppe Samara and Saratov left banks.
In addition to rivers, there are many lakes in the Volga region. The Upper Volga region is especially rich in them, where the total number of lakes reaches 650. The largest is Seliger. There are also many lakes in the Lower Volga region. They are all salty and of shallow depth. The largest salt lakes are Elton and Baskunchak.
Limnological uniques
Lake Baskunchak. Salt reserves in Baskunchak are huge - about 2 billion tons. In addition to salt, the lake contains reserves of sulfur ore and ocher, and gypsum reserves are hidden in the surrounding area.
Lake Svetloyar. The lake is perfectly round. The origin of the basin has not been definitively established. The water is absolutely transparent, can be stored in containers for a long time and does not lose its properties.
Soils of the Volga region
Soils are the main value of the Volga region. The soil cover is represented by a huge variety of soil types. Podzolic and sod-podzolic forests develop under coniferous and mixed forests of the Upper Volga region. Gray forest and gray forest-steppe under deciduous forests in the middle reaches of the Volga. The most fertile chernozem and chestnut soils were formed under the steppe forbs of the Lower Volga. They account for more than 60% of the territory.
Natural landscapes of the Volga region
The geographical location and enormous extent of the Volga region from north to south, its climatic and orographic features contributed to the emergence of a wide variety of natural areas and unique landscapes. Mixed and broad-leaved forests in the north of the Volga region are replaced by forest-steppe regions of the Middle Volga region, and the Lower Volga region is occupied by endless dry steppes and semi-deserts.
Vegetation
The flora of the Volga region amazes with its diversity. Thus, more than 1,700 plant species grow in the Middle Volga alone. Although due to intensive human economic activity, the vegetation of this area has been severely damaged. A large number of species have become red-listed and are on the verge of extinction. Thus, due to the plowing of the land, there were almost no rich mixed-grass steppes left; they were replaced by wormwood steppes with weeds (ragweed, bittergrass, dodder, etc.).
Floristic uniques
Caspian lotus is a relict plant of the Cretaceous period, originally from India. A possible way for the plant to appear in the Lower Volga is through the migration of birds, in whose intestines there could be a lotus nut. Subsequently, the seeds delivered in this way ended up in the Volga delta and sprouted there. Over the years of protection, the area occupied by lotuses has increased from 0.25 hectares to 67 hectares. Astrakhan lotus fields are a UNESCO natural heritage site.
Animal world
The Volga fauna is represented by a huge variety of forest, forest-steppe, steppe and semi-desert species. Large mammals live in oak forests and pine forests - sika deer, elk, wild boars, wolves, foxes, raccoon dogs. There are a lot of hares, squirrels, dormice and minks, hedgehogs. The world of steppes is rich in rodents and birds of prey. Voles, gophers, hamsters, marmots, parrots, jerboas, and steppe polecats are a favorite treat for large feathered predators. The steppe eagle, white-tailed eagle, black kite, golden eagle, saker falcon, and snake eagle regulate the number of steppe rodents. About 20 species of reptiles live in arid steppes and semi-deserts. Among them are the quick-footed lizard, the spiny round-headed lizard, the long-eared round-headed lizard, the fast foot-and-mouth lizard, and the squeaky gecko. Lots of snakes. Clever fishermen are snakes. Non-poisonous but aggressive snakes. The orderly of semi-deserts is the sand boa. There are many poisonous snakes - vipers (common, black, Nikolsky, steppe), Pallas's copperhead.
Faunal uniques
The muskrat is a relict endemic, leading a semi-aquatic lifestyle. Listed in the Red Book of Russia. Once a widespread species on the planet, today it has become rare and endangered, as there are fewer and fewer places for these blind fishermen to live. The reasons for the decline in numbers are numerous predators on land, for example, ferrets, otters, foxes. In the water, muskrats are hunted - marsh harrier, osprey, catfish and pike. Wild boars also harm animals by tearing up their burrows. Huge harm is caused by human activities associated with changes in water levels in rivers (dams, etc.), agriculture, water intake, etc.
The black stork is a bird that leads a hidden lifestyle. It nests in remote places of the Zhiguli Mountains and settles in the foothills near water bodies. It feeds on fish and small aquatic vertebrates, and does not disdain rodents, mollusks, and reptiles. This rare beautiful bird is listed in the Red Book.
There are also unique insects that live on the banks of the Volga. One of them, the stag beetle, is the largest representative of beetles in Europe. Currently a rare and endangered species. The reason for the decline in the number of this beautiful beetle is deforestation.
Inhabitants of the Volga
The waters of the Volga are unusually distinguished by their rich biological diversity of fauna. Waterfowl live and feed here all year round - connecting rod swan, white heron, greylag goose, mallard, Dalmatian pelican, and teal. Ducks and waders nest in the thickets of reeds and cattails. Huge flocks of insects, frogs, snakes, lizards find food for themselves in the coastal waters of the Volga.
There is a huge variety of fish in the water column of the river. The ichthyofauna includes more than 100 species. Among them, pike, burbot, perch, ide and ruff live constantly in the Volga. Semi-anadromous fish pike perch, bream, roach and carp live in the food-rich waters of the river mouth, but go upstream of the Volga to spawn. Stellate sturgeon, sturgeon, white fish, beluga and herring are migratory Volga fish that constantly live in the Caspian Sea, but go up the Volga to spawn. The number of valuable sturgeon fish has recently declined sharply due to the active use of the Volga as a water body for the construction of hydroelectric power stations. Therefore, today these migratory fish are under state protection.
Unique ichthyofauna
The catfish can be considered a true Volga giant. There have been cases of catching individuals of this species, the length of which exceeded 5 m, and the weight reached 400 kg. According to researchers, the age of catfish can reach 70-80 years. Catfish actively hunt at night, and during the day they hide in bottom holes under snags. It overwinters in small flocks at the bottom of the reservoir and practically does not feed.
The beluga, the largest freshwater fish in the world, has even more impressive dimensions. The weight of individual specimens reaches 1.5 tons. The lifespan can reach more than 100 years. This record fish is listed in the Red Book of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Today its reserves are greatly depleted.
Ecology
The unfavorable ecological state of the Volga arose due to the intensive use of its water resources in human economic activity. The river flow today is highly regulated. Seven powerful hydroelectric power stations were built on the river, and dams were erected. There is practically no natural river valley left. Most of it was flooded by the waters of huge reservoirs. Giant masses of water are used to irrigate the arid areas of the Lower Volga region. As a result, the nature of the river's annual flow has changed greatly, the flow speed has decreased, and therefore the ability to self-purify has decreased many times over. Water bloom processes are observed everywhere. This is an indicator of eutrophication of the Volga, i.e. organic pollution. In addition, the average temperature of the water surface has increased, which indicates that the water is depleted of oxygen, resulting in a reduction in the river’s biodiversity. In order to preserve the unique Volga nature, today it is necessary to develop a network of specially protected natural areas in this region of Russia.
Composition: Astrakhan, Volgograd, Penza, Samara, Saratov, Ulyanovsk regions. Republics: Kalmykia and Tatarstan.
Area - 536.4 thousand km 2.
Population - 16 million 787 thousand people.
The region is located in a wide strip along the great Russian Volga River at the junction of the European and Asian parts of Russia.
The benefits of the economic-geographical position of the region are associated with the fact that the Volga region borders on the highly saturated Volga-Vyatka, Central Black Earth, Ural, and North Caucasus economic regions, as well as Kazakhstan.
A dense network of railways, roads and river routes ensures close economic ties between the Volga region and other regions. A significant volume of traffic occurs in the Volga-Kama basin, which is the “transport framework” of the region. Natural conditions favorable for the development of agriculture and rich mineral resources (oil, gas) create the basis for the development of the economic complex.
Natural conditions and resources
The Volga region has favorable living conditions for people, which has long attracted immigrants from other regions of Russia. The area is located within the ancient Russian platform and partly within the young plate, submerged to a considerable depth under the sedimentary cover. The relief of the lower eastern part is slightly undulating, the western part occupies a higher hypsometric position, and the remnant Volga Upland is located on its territory. The relief of the western part is hilly.
The climate of the region is moderate continental, arid in the south. A large sum of active temperatures, fertile chernozems of forest-steppes, gray forest soils, chernozems of steppes and chestnut soils of dry steppes create a powerful agricultural potential of the region. Its plowed lands make up about 20% of Russian arable land. But the southern parts of the region suffer from moisture deficiency; brown semi-desert soils are common here.
The main part of the territory is occupied by steppe and forest-steppe zones. In the north, mixed coniferous-deciduous and broad-leaved forests once grew; due to centuries of deforestation, they were almost not preserved in their natural form; in the south the steppe gives way to semi-desert.
The area has a variety of mineral resources. But the oil reserves, which made the Volga region one of the first in oil production, are severely depleted; oil production is declining. The main oil resources are concentrated in Tatarstan and the Samara region, gas - in the Saratov, Volgograd and Astrakhan regions.
The modern population of the region was formed as a result of the centuries-old complex history of colonization of the region. The indigenous population is Chuvash, Mari, Mordovians. Then the Bulgars, Polovtsians, Mongols, and Nogais settled here. From the end of the 15th to the beginning of the 16th centuries, the conquest of the Volga region was one of the main goals of the Russian and then the Russian state. Many of the largest cities in the region (Volgograd, Samara, Saratov) arose as fortresses on the natural boundary (Volga), which protected Rus' from nomadic tribes.
The modern Volga region is one of the most densely populated regions of the Russian Federation. The average population density is 31 people. per 1 km 2, the Samara region is especially densely populated. Tatarstan, Saratov region.
The national structure today is dominated almost everywhere (except for Kalmykia and Tataria) by Russians. There is also a significant proportion of compactly living Tatars (16%), Chuvash and Mordovians (2 and 3%, respectively).
The level of urbanization of the Volga region is about 73%, with the population concentrated mainly in the capitals of the national republics and in large industrial cities. The region has significant labor resources.
Its population is growing, mainly due to a significant influx of migrants.
The industrial base of the region received an impetus for development during the Great Patriotic War, when more than 300 enterprises were relocated here, and today, in many respects, the Volga region is not inferior to such industrially developed regions as the Central and Ural regions located nearby.
The leading role belongs to mechanical engineering. In the structure of mechanical engineering, the automotive industry stands out first of all. The region produces 70% of passenger cars (Ulyanovsk, Tolyatti), 10% of freight cars (Naberezhnye Chelny) and a significant number of trolleybuses (Engels). It is planned to build a new automobile plant in Yelabuga together with foreign companies. The Volga region also specializes in instrument and machine tool manufacturing (Penza, Samara, Ulyanovsk, Saratov, Volzhsky, Kazan), aircraft manufacturing (Samara, Saratov, Kazan), (tractor building (Volgograd). All branches of the chemical industry are represented in the region. First of all, mining chemistry (extraction of sulfur - Samara region, salts - Lake Baskunchak), chemistry of organic synthesis, production of polymers. The chemical industry is developing on the basis of processing local and Western Siberian oil in Nizhnekamsk, Samara and other petrochemical complexes: Nizhnekamsk, Samara, Kazan. Syzran, Sara-tov, Volzhsky, Tolyatti.
A large gas-chemical complex is being created on the basis of the Astrakhan gas condensate field.
The fuel and energy complex is highly developed. The region is fully provided with its own fuel, and despite the fact that the Volga region's share in Russian oil production is falling, the region ranks second in the Russian Federation after the West Siberian economic region in oil and gas production.
About 10% of all-Russian electricity production is generated in the Volga region, part of it is transmitted via power lines to other regions of Russia. A cascade of 11 hydroelectric power stations with a total capacity of 13.5 million kW has been created on the Volga and Kama. But the reservoirs of these lowland hydroelectric power stations are very shallow, although they occupy huge areas, so the cost of electricity is very high. The environmental problems caused by the construction of hydroelectric power stations are enormous. Firstly, the great Russian Volga River no longer exists in its natural form - only a system of reservoirs. Secondly, such regulation of its flow led to a slowdown in the flow and, consequently, a decrease in the river’s ability to self-purify. And hundreds of thousands of tons of pollutants (nitrates, oil products, phenols, etc.) enter the Volga every year. A huge amount (up to 600 thousand tons) of suspended particles under conditions of altered flow contribute to its siltation and shallowing.
The rise in groundwater levels in the Volga basin has led to a catastrophic situation in the remains of the Volga forests, which are the natural protection of the Volga. Hydroelectric dams are an almost insurmountable obstacle for fish, including valuable sturgeon, whose unique herd, the largest in the world, is in danger of extinction. Thirdly, the flooding of fertile, once densely populated areas led to the loss of a significant land fund, the flooding of about 100 cities and towns, 2.5 thousand villages, thousands of historical and cultural monuments. Now the situation is only getting worse, because the old treatment plants (which filtered only about 40% of wastewater) are falling into disrepair, and there are not enough funds to repair them and build new ones. In addition, the unified system of regulation (management) of water management that existed within the USSR has been practically destroyed, and the Volga crosses the territories of many administrative-territorial units.
Therefore, the very existence of the Volga river system is under threat, and this can only be resolved through the combined efforts of all subjects of the Russian Federation located in the Volga basin.
Afro-industrial complex. In terms of agricultural land area (more than 40 million hectares), the Volga region leads among all economic regions of the country.
Up to 50% of the area's territory has been plowed. Here, 1/2 of the gross harvest of valuable durum wheat in Russia, a significant part of mustard, cereals (millet, buckwheat), and industrial crops (sugar beets, sunflowers) are grown. Meat and dairy farming has been developed. To the south of the latitude of Volgograd there are large sheep farms. In the area between the Volga and Akhtuba rivers, vegetables and melons and rice are grown.
Many areas of the Volga region are affected by soil erosion processes, which were the result of centuries-old agricultural load. This, as well as unstable weather conditions and droughts, require constant reclamation.
The developed transport network of the area largely determines its modern appearance. The Volga served as the area-forming artery of the region. The roads and railways crossing it, as well as the dense network of power lines and pipelines, are also of great importance. The Druzhba oil pipeline system is of international importance.
Astrakhan, Volgograd, Penza, Samara, Saratov, Ulyanovsk regions, Republic of Tatarstan, Republic of Kalmykia-Khalmg-Tangch.
Economic-geographical location
A dense network of railways, roads and river routes ensures close economic ties between the Volga region and other regions. A significant volume of traffic occurs in the Volga-Kama basin, which is the “transport framework” of the region. Natural conditions favorable for the development of agriculture and rich mineral resources (oil, gas) create the basis for the development of the economic complex.
The Volga region stretches for almost 1.5 thousand km along the great Russian river Volga, from the confluence of the Kama to the Caspian Sea. Territory - 536 thousand km 2. The EGP of this area is extremely favorable. A network of transport routes connects it with the most important economic regions of the country. The axis of this network - the Volga-Kama river route - gives access to the Caspian, Azov, Black, Baltic, White and Barents seas. The use of oil and gas pipelines also helps to improve the EGP of the region.
The Volga region has favorable natural conditions and is rich in water (Volga and its tributaries) and land resources, located in a temperate climate. However, the area is unevenly supplied with moisture. In the lower reaches of the Volga there are droughts, accompanied by dry winds that are destructive to crops. Much of the area has fertile soils and extensive pastures.
Relief and climatic conditions determine the diversity of soils and vegetation. Nature is diverse. In the latitudinal direction, forests, forest-steppes, and steppes are replaced, which then give way to sultry semi-deserts.
The area is rich in minerals: oil, gas, sulfur, salt, building materials (limestone, gypsum, sand).
Oil is produced in Tatarstan and the Samara region, gas - in the Saratov, Volgograd, Astrakhan (gas condensate field) regions. Table salt is mined on Lake Baskunchak.
The area has a variety of mineral resources. But the oil reserves, which made the Volga region one of the first in oil production, are severely depleted; oil production is declining. The main oil resources are concentrated in Tatarstan and the Samara region, gas - in the Saratov, Volgograd and Astrakhan regions.
The population of the Volga region is multinational, 16.6 million people. The average population density is 30 people. per 1 km 2. It is significantly higher in the middle reaches of the Volga on the right bank. The minimum population density (4 people per 1 km 2) is in Kalmykia.
The Russian population predominates. The population of the Republic of Tatarstan is 3.7 million people. (among them Russians - 43%); 327 thousand people live in Kalmykia (the share of Russians is more than 30%). The urban population is concentrated mainly in large cities located on the Volga (urbanization coefficient - 73%). Millionaire cities - Samara, Kazan, Volgograd. The Volga region is provided with labor resources.
Farm
Main branches of specialization of the Volga region- oil and oil refining, gas and chemical industries, complex mechanical engineering, electric power and production of building materials.
The Volga region occupies 2nd place in Russia after the West Siberian economic region for oil and gas production. The amount of oil and gas produced exceeds the needs of the region, so oil and gas pipelines have been laid to the west, including abroad. This is also an area of developed oil refining industry, not only its own oil, but also the oil of Western Siberia. There are 6 oil refineries (Syzran, Samara, Volgograd, Nizhnekamsk). Refineries and petrochemicals are closely related. Along with natural gas, associated gas is extracted and processed (used in the chemical industry).
The Volga region specializes in the production of electricity, which it supplies to other regions of Russia. Energy is provided by hydroelectric power stations of the Volga-Kama cascade (Volzhskaya near Samara, Saratov, Nizhnekamsk and Volzhskaya near Volgograd, etc.). Thermal stations operate on local raw materials, and the Balakovo (Saratov) and Tatar nuclear power plants have been built (the construction of the latter caused public protests).
The chemical industry of the Volga region is represented by mining chemistry (mining sulfur and table salt), chemistry of organic synthesis, and polymer production. The largest centers: Nizhnekamsk, Samara, Kazan, Syzran, Saratov, Volzhsky, Togliatti. In the industrial hubs of Samara-Tolyatti, Saratov-Engels, Volgograd-Volzhsky, energy and petrochemical cycles have developed. They are geographically close to the production of energy, petroleum products, alcohols, synthetic rubber, and plastics.
The needs of the energy, oil and gas and chemical industries accelerated the development of mechanical engineering. Developed transport connections, the availability of qualified personnel, and proximity to the Central region necessitated the creation of instrument and machine tool factories (Penza, Samara, Ulyanovsk, Saratov, Volzhsky, Kazan). The aircraft industry is represented in Samara and Saratov.
But the automotive industry especially stands out in the Volga region: Ulyanovsk (UAZ cars), Tolyatti (Zhiguli), Naberezhnye Chelny (heavy trucks), Engels (trolleybuses). In Volgograd there is the largest tractor plant in the country.
The importance of the food industry remains in the region. The Caspian Sea and the mouth of the Volga are the most important inland fishing basin. However, it should be noted that with the development of petrochemistry, chemistry and the construction of large engineering plants, the ecological condition of the Volga River has sharply deteriorated.
Agro-industrial complex. In the forest and semi-desert zones, the leading role in agriculture belongs to livestock breeding. In the forest-steppe and steppe zones - crop production (primarily grain farming). This part of the Volga region also has the highest arable land (up to 50%) of the territory. The grain region is located approximately from the latitude of Kazan to the latitude of Samara (rye, winter wheat), and meat and dairy farming is also developed here. The sowing of industrial crops is common; for example, mustard crops account for 90% of the crops in the Russian Federation. Sheep breeding farms are located south of Volgograd. In the area between the Volga and Akhtuba (lower reaches) vegetables and melons are grown.
Fuel and energy complex,(see Electric power industry). The area is provided with fuel. The energy sector of the region is of national importance - it supplies other regions of the country (hydroelectric power plants on Yolga and Kama, thermal power plants, nuclear power plants).
Transport. The transport network of the region is formed by the Volga and the roads crossing it. The Volga-Donskoy and other shipping canals provide access to the seas. The modern Volga is a chain of reservoirs. But the Volga Route is seasonal (the river freezes in winter). Railways and roads, as well as gas and oil pipelines, play an important role.
Russia is an incredibly huge country with wonderful and diverse nature. In each part of it you can see truly unique climatic conditions. A region like the Volga region is no exception. The natural resources located here are striking in their special wealth. For example, these places have some of the most favorable conditions for farming and growing various crops. The article will discuss what the Volga region is, where it is located and what resources it is rich in.
General characteristics of the area
To begin with, it is worth defining the Volga region. This word can be heard quite often, but not everyone knows exactly where it is located. So, this is a geographical area that includes several large territories. Generally speaking, it includes the territories adjacent to the Volga River. Thus, it can be noted that in the Volga region there are several parts - the middle and lower reaches of the river. These areas are heavily dependent on the river economically. From the point of view of natural zones, the Volga region also includes territories that are located in the upper reaches of the river. This is truly a significant part of Russia, which makes a huge contribution to the economy and industry of the entire country, largely due to its favorable climate. and the resources of the Volga region help this area produce large quantities of livestock and agricultural products.
Where is this area located?
Now it’s worth telling more precisely where these wonderful territories are located. as already mentioned, it significantly contributes to the development of many sectors of the economy. It would be interesting to know which regions are included in it. Among them are:
- Upper Volga (this includes regions such as Moscow, Yaroslavl, Kostroma and others);
- Middle Volga (includes Ulyanovsk and Samara regions, and others);
- Lower Volga (includes the Republic of Tatarstan, several regions: Ulyanovsk, Saratov and others).
Thus, it becomes clear that this area truly covers a huge area. So, we have looked at the geographical location of the Volga region, and now it’s worth talking about its natural and climatic conditions.
Climate of the Volga region
When considering such a large geographical area, of course, it is necessary to talk separately about its climate, since it can vary greatly in different parts. As for the relief, plains and lowlands predominate here. The climate in some parts of the region is temperate continental, in others it is continental. Summer is usually warm, in July the average temperature reaches about +22 - +25 C. Winter is relatively cold, the average January temperature ranges from -10 C to -15 C.
It is also interesting to consider the natural areas in which the Volga region lies. They also vary greatly from north to south of the region. This includes mixed forest, forest-steppe, steppe and even semi-deserts. Thus, it becomes clear what climatic and natural zones the Volga region covers. Natural resources are also found here in large quantities. It is worth telling more about them.
What natural resources is the Volga region rich in: water, agricultural, oil
Since the area covers a large number of natural areas, we can safely talk about the diversity of resources in it. Of course, first of all, it is worth noting that the Volga region is rich in water resources. With their help, the area receives a significant amount of electricity. There are many hydroelectric power stations located on the Volga, among which we can especially note the hydroelectric power stations in Dubna, Uglich and Rybinsk, in Cheboksary. You can also often hear about Zhigulevskaya, Saratovskaya and Thus, we can say that water resources make up a significant share in this area.
The Volga region is also rich in fertile soils, which are also represented here by black soil, which is conducive to the cultivation of agricultural crops. If we talk about the region’s economy in general, then most of it is occupied by fodder crops (almost 70%), as well as grains (more than 20%). You can also often find vegetable and melon crops (about 4%).
It is also necessary to note the oil resources in the Volga region. Oil was found here a very long time ago, but its production in the area began in the middle of the 20th century. Now there are about 150 deposits that are actively being developed. The largest number of them are located in Tatarstan, as well as in the Samara region.
Other natural resources
It is worth telling about other things that the Volga region is rich in. Natural resources here, as already mentioned, are very diverse. Many people like to relax on the Volga, and this is not at all surprising. The area is well-saturated with recreational resources. Holidays in these places have always been popular; the local nature perfectly promotes relaxation. Such popularity of tourism in the Volga region is due to the favorable climate, as well as the large number of cultural monuments and attractions in these places.
Among natural resources, it is worth highlighting biological ones. The Volga region has a huge number of animals, both forage and wild. There are many species of birds found here. In the reservoirs of the Volga region you can also find various types of fish. There are even rare sturgeon species found here.
So, now we know what you can see when going to the Volga region. The natural resources here amaze with their abundance and diversity.
Population of the area
Now it’s worth talking separately about the region. Conventionally, the region can be divided into several parts, among which stands out. It includes Mordovia, Bashkiria, the Penza region and the Perm region. The population here is about 30 million people. Most people live in cities.
Volga-Vyatka economic region. Significantly fewer people live here than in the previous area. The population is about 7.5 million people. Most also live in large populated areas.
The population in this area is about 17 million people. Of these, more than 70% live in cities.
Now it becomes clear that the Volga region is a truly large region, the population of which is extremely large. In addition, there are many large settlements located here, some of them are cities with a population of over a million. Thus, we examined in detail the Volga region, the population, natural resources and economy of this area. It really is of great importance for the whole country.
