Saratov:
Saratov is a city situated in south-west Russia on the Volga river. With approximately 900,000 inhabitants (Russia's 15th largest city), it once held the rank of Russia's 3rd largest city prior to the Russian Revolution.
Despite losing a few spots in ranking, it is still an important industrial and transportation hub on the lower Volga, as well as one of Russia's largest scientific centers. Within the city are 6 institutes affiliated with the Russian Academy of Sciences, 21 research institutes, 19 project institutes and many scientific and technological laboratories. The largest higher educational institutions include: Saratov State University, Technical, Medical, Socio-Economic and Agrarian Universities.
The city boasts a large number of historical buildings from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, some of which were built by the Volga Germans who lived in the region prior to their exile at the outbreak of World War II. Among more modern landmarks, Saratov also lays claim to the longest bridge in Europe (2.8 km or 1.7 miles) and the longest straight street in Europe (Moskovskaya Street).
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