Nizhny Novgorod, formerly known as Gorky (from 1932 to 1990), is one of the most significant cities in Russia both for its historical value and its modern-day importance. Geographically, the city is strategically located at the confluence of the Volga and Oka rivers, around 400 kilometers east of Moscow. This positioning has historically made Nizhny Novgorod a key trade and cultural hub and continues to contribute to its role as an important economic center. The climate in Nizhny Novgorod is characterized as humid continental, with long, cold winters and warm, relatively short summers. Nizhny Novgorod Oblast is a federal subject of Russia, with the city serving as its administrative center. The Volga River, being one of the main waterways in Russia, has played a vital role in the city's development and in connecting it with other regions. The city's location and the river have also made Nizhny Novgorod a popular stop for river cruises in Russia. Historically, the city was founded in 1221 by Grand Duke Yuri II of Vladimir as a stronghold to protect the frontiers of the Vladimir-Suzdal principality. In the ensuing centuries, it developed into a powerful commercial center. Nizhny Novgorod's kremlin, a fortress constructed in the early 16th century, is a testament to its historical military significance and is one of the city's most prominent landmarks. During the Soviet era, the city was renamed Gorky, after the writer Maxim Gorky who was born there. It was a closed city due to its military importance, particularly as a site of tank and submarine production, and it was only reopened to foreigners after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1990. Culturally, Nizhny Novgorod is a hub for the arts and education. It boasts theaters, museums, and galleries that reflect its rich cultural history, including the Nizhny Novgorod State Art Museum and the Nizhny Novgorod State Academic Drama Theater named after M. Gorky. The city's historical fair, the Makaryev Fair, was once one of the most significant in Russia and attracted merchants from Asia and Europe. Demographically, the city is predominantly Russian. It is one of the largest cities in the country with many inhabitants also having Tatar, Ukrainian, and other origins, reflecting the regional diversity of the wider Volga area. Nizhny Novgorod has experienced economic growth in the post-Soviet era, becoming an important center for IT, engineering, and Volga region trade. The city's economy benefits from a diversified industrial base, including automotive and shipbuilding industries. It is also a key transportation hub with road, rail, and air connections to other Russian cities and beyond. In 2018, the city gained international attention when it hosted matches during the FIFA World Cup, highlighting its sports facilities and infrastructure improvements. Education is another important aspect of the city, with several higher education institutions such as the Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod contributing to its status as an educational center. Overall, Nizhny Novgorod weaves together a rich tapestry of history, culture, and modernization. It is a city that embodies the transformations Russia has undergone over the centuries while still maintaining its historical and cultural heritage.