Samara city, Russia

The capital city of Samara oblast.

Samara city overview

Samara city (from 1935 to 1991 Kuybyshev) is an administrative center and capital of Samara oblast of Russia situated on the banks of Volga river. During Soviet times Samara was a city closed to foreigners. Today Samara city plays an important role as large economic and cultural center of Russia.

Samara city has the population of 1,140,000 (2008) on the territory of 466 sq. km.

The phone code of Samara city is +7-846; postal codes are 443000-443xxx.

Samara city flag

Samara city coat of arms

Samara city map, Russia

Samara city economy

Samara city is a large industrial center of the whole Volga river region. Samara city is among top ten Russian cities by industry volume. Samara is producing various outer space vehicles and machinery, aircraft, power stations, refinery, cranes. Samara food industry is known for its chocolate, vodka “Rodnik” and “Zhiguli” beer.

Samara city history

The official foundation date of Samara is 1586. That time small fortress was built at the confluence of Volga and Samara rivers. It was protecting the eastern borders of Russian state from nomads.

After building the quay Samara settlement became the economic and diplomatic center of Russia. In 1780 Samara city became the capital of Simbirsk Region. The economy of Samara was growing quickly at the end of 19th and beginning of 20th centuries (bread trading and milling business).

The population of Samara city at the beginning of 20th century was about 100,000. Samara was large trade and industrial center of Volga region of Russia. In 1935 Samara city was renamed by Soviet power after Valerian Kuybyshev (Bolshevik leader).

During World War II Kuybyshev city was chosen to be USSR capital in case of Moscow fall. Special shelter was built for USSR leader Stalin. Today it is known as Stalin’s Bunker and is open for visitors.

Kuybyshev city defense industry was developing fast after the World War II. Soon Kuybyshev city became so called “closed city” of USSR. The spaceship of Yury Gagarin (first man in space) “Vostok” was built in Kuybyshev city.

The historical name was returned to the city in 1991. Present time Samara is Russian large industrial and cultural center with multinational population and dramatic history.