Belgorod oblast, Russia (Belgorodskaya)

The capital city of Belgorod oblast: Belgorod.

Belgorod oblast overview

Belgorod oblast (also spelled Belgorodskaya) is a federal subject of Russian Federation, part of Central Federal District. Belgorod oblast is located about 500-700 km south of Moscow on the border with Ukraine. The administrative center of the region is Belgorod city.

Belgorod oblast population is about 1,525,000 (2009) on the territory of 27,100 sq. km.

Belgorod oblast flag

Belgorod oblast coat of arms

Belgorod oblast map, Russia

Belgorod oblast features

Belgorod oblast has about 40% of known Russian deposits of iron ores. There are also deposits of bauxites, apatites, mineral waters. The largest cities and towns of the region are Belgorod (348,000), Stariy Oskol (219,000), Gubkin (86,000), Shebekino (46,000), Alekseevka (39,000). Belgorod oblast is an important transport junction of the region including federal highway M-2 “Crimea”, railway line “Moscow-Kharkov-Sevastopol”.

Belgorod oblast history

At the end of 16th century and the beginning of 17th century present Belgorod oblast territories were playing the role of the solid defense line of Russian state populated mainly by Ukrainian Cossacks. In 1708-1727 the territories of the region were parts of Kiev and Azov guberniyas (regions). Belgorod guberniya was formed in 1727 and was a separate administrative district until 1779.

Before 1928 the territories of the region were parts of Voronezh and Kursk oblasts. During the World War II the area of Belgorod oblast settlement Prokhorovka became the place of the largest tank battle ever happened during Kursk battle between Nazi Germany and Soviet Union armies. Belgorod oblast was formed again in 1954.