The city of Astrakhan was founded in 1558 on the land of ancient civilizations, and now in XXI it still confirms its historical significance.

Situated on the banks of the great Russian river Volga, Astrakhan impresses its guests with its unique nature location, blend of different architectural styles and various epoches, multinational environment and interesting cultural traditions. Founded at a cross-roads of East and West and being once a destination on the famous «Silk Route», the city carefully preserves cultural, architectural and religious traditions of 139 nations and nationalities inhabiting the Astrakhan Region. This is the place where the Volga flows into the mysterious Caspian Sea , splitting into 800 large and small rivers and rivulets that form its delta. The Volga is the shortest way connecting the European part of Russia with the countries of the Caucasus and Middle Asia, as well as with Iran, India, Pakistan. As a water transport artery with the developed system of shipping canals the Volga is linked to the Asov, the Black, the Baltic and the White Seas.

The Astrakhan biospheric reserve founded in 1921 is one of the oldest in the country. Its unique flora and fauna, as well as hunting grounds in the Volga-delta make the reserve one of the favourite places for hunters, amateur fishermen and tourists from all over the world.

An unforgettable picture for anyone who has ever travelled to the Volga delta is «The Caspian Rose»- the Tsar lotus- a relict plant that relates the Volga to the Indian Ganges and the African Nile.

The Astrakhan Region is located on the ancient «peoples’ route» between West and East. Nowadays, the region is open to mutually beneficial cooperation with foreign partners.It is growing into an important industrial and cultural center of international significance.

The economic life of the city is connected with the river and the sea, as well as with fisheries, shipbuilding and repairing industries. And much depends on the utilization of natural resources deposited in the Region: on the largest European fields of gas and oil, the richest salt fields of the famous Lake Baskunchak called Russian salt-cellar, on gypsum and mineral water stocks. The Region is also famous for its agriculture. Due to the vast plantations of water-melons, tomatoes and other vegetables it is often called «The vegetable garden of Russia».

The population of the Oblast is 1.000.000.000 of people, and of the city is about 500.000.

You can get to Astrakhan by plane, ship, train and by car.