Samara oblast overview
Samara oblast (also spelled Samarskaya) is a federal subject of Russian Federation, part of Volga Federal District. The capital city and administrative center is Samara.
Samara oblast has the population of 3,170,000 (2008) on the land area of 53,600 sq. km.
Samara oblast cities
The largest cities and towns of the region are Samara (1,139,000), Tolyatti (725,000), Syzran (182,000), Novokuybyshevsk (111,000), Chapaevsk (73,000), Zhigulyovsk (56,000), Otradny (49,000).
Samara oblast history
The territory of present Samara oblast became the part of Russia in the middle of 16th century after Kazan and Astrakhan states were conquered by Moscow state. Samara region grew into one of the most important Russian grain trading centers in 19th century. From 1851 Samara city was the capital of Samara guberniya of Russian Empire.
Samara region was created in 1928 and was called Srednevolzhskaya oblast (Middle Volga region). In 1929 the region was renamed to Srednevolzhsky krai and in 1935 to Kuybyshevsky krai. From 1936 to 1990 the region was called Kuybyshevskaya oblast (Kuybyshev - Soviet name of Samara city). In 1950-1960 Samara oblast became the major center of Soviet oil production.
Samara oblast resources
Main resources of Samara oblast are oil, natural gas, shale oil, various mineral resources for building purposes, water resources. One of the largest Russian automobile plant AvtoVaz is located in Tolyatti city. Also the largest ammonium hydrate factory in the world is situated in Samara oblast neat Tolyatti.