Rostov-on-Don (Russian: Росто́в-на-Дону́) is the capital of Rostov Oblast, in the Northern Caucasus district of Russia, located at the Don River near the Sea of Azov. The city's name is also often transliterated as Rostov-na-Donu. Geographical location 47° 14' North, 39° 42' East. Population—1,012,300 (2003).

The city was in essence established in 1749, as a customs house was built on the Don, and soon a large fortress that developed into a settlement. The Don River that the city is named for is a major shipping lane connecting southwestern Russia with regions to the north, and Rostov-on-Don is an important river port in both passenger-oriented and industrial shipping.

Rostov-on-Don has experienced considerable economic growth in recent years, as the Russian economy recovers nationwide. Numerous start-up companies have established headquarters in the city, the median income is increasing, and the city is being transformed from a place thrown back in time by the collapse of communism into a modern, industrial and technology-rich hub.

There is another city in Russia called Rostov (in Yaroslavl Oblast).

External links

• Rostov's Entertainment Site (http://www.rostov.ru/) (In Russian)
• Official Rostov's Administration Site (http://www.rostov-gorod.ru/) (In Russian)

de:Rostow am Don fr:Rostov-sur-le-Don eo:Rostov-na-Donu ja:ロストフ・ナ・ドヌ ru:Ростов-на-Дону sv:Rostov-na-Donu