Russia is the largest country in the world by area. On its territory there are more than one thousand urban settlements - large and small, prosperous and frankly depressive. In this article, we will list the southernmost cities in Russia. And we will briefly tell the reader about them.
The southernmost cities of Russia: list
The total number of cities in the Russian Federation is 1112. They are very different from each other: in area, number of inhabitants, age, as well as in geographical location and climate. So, in some cities of the country, winter lasts up to eight months, while in others, residents enjoy the sun up to 300 days a year. The contrasts are striking!
Which city is the southernmost in Russia? What is it called? You will find the answer to this question below. Our article presents a list of the ten most southern cities in Russia (in order of remoteness of settlements from the North Pole). All of them are located within three regions: Primorsky Krai, Dagestan and the Republic of North Ossetia - Alania.
If we talk about the geographical location of the country's largest megacities, then the southernmost city-Russia's millionaire is Rostov-on-Don. It is often referred to as the "southern capital". It is quite an important transport, scientific and cultural center of the country. In addition, Rostov-on-Don is also often referred to as one of the most well-groomed and most beautiful cities in southern Russia. It also leads in terms of the number of urban green spaces.
Further in our article you will find a list and descriptions of the ten most southern cities in Russia.
Vladivostok - a city dissolved in the hills
Vladivostok is a completely different world for almost all the inhabitants of Russia. Many people have heard a lot about it, but few have been there in person. Vladivostok is a city of thick fogs, gently sloping hills and beautiful bridges. It was created by the hands of travelers and the military. Therefore, in his appearance and character there are features of both officer nobility and some kind of adventurism.
Geographically, Vladivostok is located in the south of Russia. However, the climate of this city can be incredibly capaciously and accurately described by the following saying: “the latitude is Crimean, and the longitude is Kolyma”. The soft and velvety first half of autumn gives way here to a very cold and chilly November. Winters in Vladivostok are generally severe. In January, the air temperature often drops to -20 degrees.
City coordinates: 43° 07' 00″ north latitude.
Vladikavkaz is modest and hospitable
The city-fortress was founded in 1784 by Prince Potemkin with one goal - to "master the Caucasus". Hence the name. Today it is the capital of the Republic of North Ossetia - Alania with a population of 300thousands of people. According to climatic features, Vladikavkaz is really a “southern” city. Winters are very mild, and summers are long and hot. Vladikavkaz is distinguished by the diverse ethnic composition of its population: Ossetians, Russians, Georgians, Armenians, Ukrainians and representatives of other nationalities live here.
City coordinates: 43° 01' 00″ north latitude.
Makhachkala is the most "Asian" city in Russia
There is one more administrative center in the list of the most southern cities of Russia. This is the capital of the Republic of Dagestan - Makhachkala.
Noisy markets, mosques, women in closed dresses - all these typical signs of the Arab world can be found in Makhachkala. About 60 nationalities live in the city. The most numerous of them are Avars, Kumyks, Dargins and Lezgins. The city was founded only in the middle of the XIX century. Today it is an important industrial and scientific center of the South of Russia.
City coordinates: 42° 58' 00″ north latitude.
Fokino - a city of cozy coves
Move further south. In Primorsky Krai, on the shore of Strelok Bay, there is a small town of Fokino. It was founded at the end of the 19th century by settlers from Ukraine. Named after Alexei Fokin, the builder of the local naval base. The climate in Fokino is mild and quite warm, with frequent winds and a clear division into seasons. Average July temperatures: +19 degrees, January -9 degrees. Residents from nearby Vladivostok often come here to get away from the city.bustle, relax on the sandy beaches of cozy rocky bays.
City coordinates: 42° 58' 00″ north latitude.
Kaspiysk is a city by the sea, but not a resort
Kaspiysk is a satellite city of Makhachkala, located just 15 kilometers from the capital of Dagestan. It is located on the shores of the sea-lake of the same name. The city boasts a relatively mild climate. Winters are warm and summers are hot. Already at the end of March, apricots and cherries are in full swing in Kaspiysk. However, this city was not destined to become a seaside resort, since military units and the strategically important Dagdiesel plant are located on its territory.
City coordinates: 42° 53' 00″ north latitude.
Buinaksk is the main climatic resort of the North Caucasus
Buinaksk is located in the heart of Dagestan, in the foothills of the Caucasus mountain range. The city of 60,000 is located on the Shura-Ozen River. Its immediate surroundings are a climatic resort area. There are a number of sanatoriums that successfully treat tuberculosis and other lung diseases. Among other things, Buynaksk is also known for the fact that the largest mosque in the North Caucasus is located here.
City coordinates: 42° 49' 00″ north latitude.
Nakhodka is a city of two ports
In 1859, the corvette "America", on board which was Muravyov-Amursky (Governor of Siberia), got into a terrible storm. Fleeing from a powerful storm, the ship is in an unknown and very calm bay, surrounded by picturesque green hills. "This is a find!" - joyfullyexclaimed the governor general.
Nakhodka is located south of Vladivostok and is famous for its excellent beaches. The climate in the city is mild, temperate, with frequent fogs in summer and rains in winter. Nakhodka is an important maritime transport hub, accounting for 11% of Russia's total cargo turnover.
City coordinates: 42° 49' 00″ north latitude.
Izberbash - city of oil and recreation
Izberbash is a young city on the Caspian coast (founded in 1932), 65 kilometers south of Makhachkala. An important center of Dagestan for oil production. In this city, for the first time in the world, the technique of drilling inclined wells from the seashore was tested. In addition to the booming industry, resort and recreational infrastructure is actively developing in Izberbash. The city's main beach is known for its excellent fine-grained sand and stretches for almost three kilometers along the coast.
City coordinates: 42° 34' 00″ north latitude.
Dagestan Lights - the city of glass and carpets
A powerful earthquake in 1904 broke rock layers, and gas began to seep through cracks from the bowels of the earth's crust in these places. Travelers who made fires here watched with surprise as the blue flame soared sharply to the sky and dispersed through cracks in the soil. The unusual name of a small Dagestan city is connected with this.
Today, no more than 30 thousand people live in the Dagestan fires. The city still operates a glass factory, which was founded in 1926. In addition to it, brick and carpet works here.factories.
City coordinates: 42° 07' 00″ north latitude.
Derbent is ancient, very ancient
So, what is the southernmost city in Russia? The name of this settlement is specific, unusual, but very beautiful - Derbent. It is located on the edge of Dagestan, near the border with Azerbaijan. Often tourists call it "Russian Bombay", as well as the most ancient settlement in the country. The first mention of Derbent dates back to the sixth century BC!
The city is located on the border of the temperate and subtropical climatic zones. Summers are hot, autumns are warm, and winters are short and mild. In the summer heat, only the proximity to the cool Caspian Sea saves the inhabitants of Derbent.
City coordinates: 42° 04' 00″ north latitude.