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Saint Petersburg

federal city in Russia and the former capital

One of the 28 Finalists

Saint Petersburg

, Russia

Saint Petersburg (Russian: Санкт-Петербу́рг, tr. Sankt-Peterburg) is Russia’s second-largest city after Moscow, with five million inhabitants in 2012, and an important Russian port on the Baltic Sea. It is politically incorporated as a federal subject (a federal city). Situated on the Neva River, at the head of the Gulf of Finland on the Baltic Sea, it was founded by Tsar Peter the Great on May 27 [O.S. 16] 1703. In 1914, the name was changed from Saint Petersburg to Petrograd (Russian: Петрогра́д), in 1924 to Leningrad (Russian: Ленингра́д), and in 1991 back to Saint Petersburg. Between 1713–1728 and 1732–1918, Saint Petersburg was the imperial capital of Russia. In 1918, the central government bodies moved to Moscow.

Saint Petersburg is the most Westernized city of Russia, as well as its cultural capital. The Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments constitute a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Saint Petersburg is home to The Hermitage, one of the largest art museums in the world. A large number of foreign consulates, international corporations, banks, and businesses have offices in Saint Petersburg.

Russia

Interesting Facts

Saint Petersburg


Population

5.22 million

Area

344,7 km²

Continent

Europe

Instance of

federal city of Russia

Named after

Peter & Vladimir Lenin

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The 28 Finalists

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