Samara:
Samara is a city situated in south-east European Russia at the confluence of the Samara and Volga Rivers. Know as Kuybishev from 1935 until 1991, it is the fifth largest city in Russia with approximately 1.2 million inhabitants.
Founded in 1586 as a Muscovite stronghold for the defense of the Volga trade route, the city has developed into a large industrial and transportation center for European Russia. One notable industry, its aerospace industry, produces Soyuz and Molniya launch vehicles. As a result of its aerospace, military and defense related industry, it remained a closed city during much of the Soviet era.
After the end of the Soviet Union, Samara once again opened up for international business and tourism. Its success on the world stage is evident as there are now a number of direct international flights originating from nations like Germany, the Czech Republic, Israel and Cyprus.
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