Belgorod Region with the main city of Belgorod is located in the South European part of the Russian Federation in the Central Black Earth area at an important junction of railways and highways. It borders on Kursk and Voronezh regions and the Ukraine.

The particular geographical location of the region has a great impact on its potential for recreation and tourism. On the one hand, the region is close to the capital (400 miles to the south of Moscow); and on the other hand, it is close to the traditional and popular resorts of the Crimea, the Caucasus, the Azov and Black Seas

The name “Belgorod” in English means “White City” as it is situated on large deposits of chalk. The population of the city is close to 450 thousand. It is an ancient Russian city, founded by Slavonic tribes in the 10th century as an outpost to defend the southern borders of the Russian State.

During the reign of Peter the First Belgorod played a significant part in building the Russian Empire. In the 18th – 19th centuries Belgorod was closely connected with the names of the first Russian actor M. Shchepkin, and V. Shukhov, a scientist and engineer of world fame. The local drama theatre and Technological University have been named after these outstanding people.

During the Great Patriotic War (World War Two) Belgorod was occupied twice by the German forces and during the battles of July – August 1943 completely destroyed. An unprecedented tank battle between the Russian and German armies was fought on the outskirts of the small town of Prokhorovka less than 50 miles to the north of Belgorod. The battle went down in history as the battle of the Kursk Bulge. As a tribute to the Russian victory in the battle and to commemorate the huge sacrifice made by the Russian troops a cathedral and belfry were erected on the field, later to become part of “The Prokhorovka Battle Field National War Memorial”.

In honour of the liberation of the cities of Belgorod and Orel the first salute was fired in Moscow consisting of 12 salvoes from 120 guns. Since that time Belgorod is known as The City of the First Salute. The memory of all those who fought the enemy during the Great Patriotic War is immortalized in numerous memorials and monuments found across the region.

Today Belgorod is a modern, industrial, scientific, educational and cultural centre in the heart of the region. It is one of the most beautiful and dynamically developing cities in Russia. In the year 2000 the city was awarded “The Best Kept City of Russia” title.

Belgorod has been acknowledged as the capital of European and Russian volleyball. The legendary Lokomotiv – Belogorye is among the world’s top teams, after having won the prestigious European Champions League title in 2002, playing in several Final Four tournaments and winning a series of National Championships.

Belgorod may also boast its brand new University Sport Complex, named after Svetlana Khorkina, the world-famous gymnast, a born and bred Belgorodian.

The beginning of 2004 marked the 50th Anniversary since the official establishment of Belgorod region with a population of more than 1,5 mln people.

The region has more than 40,5% of iron ore deposits of Russia. The powerful mining and smelting complex makes the basis of the region’s economy. Thanks to rich fertile soils a vast agricultural complex has grown. Belgorod region is one of the major producers of sugar beet and sugar in the country. Grain, sunflower seed and oil, meat and milk are also produced here. Other developed industries include engineering, boiler manufacturing, chemicals, mining equipment machinery, as well as building materials. These products are in demand on the domestic market and are exported to more than 30 countries.

Well developed railway and highway networks, an airport and an excellent communications system make Belgorod region one of Russia’s ten most attractive regions for investments.

Belgorodia: Belgorod and Belgorod Region