Its position on the way to the Pacific Ocean was profitable and favored the development of the town. In the history of Russia Chita was known as the centre of the former Far Eastern Republic.
Chita with its population of 379000 (1991) is a big administrative, industrial and cultural centre consisting of 4 districts. Heavy and light engineering is well developed here. They are represented by such enterprises as machine building plant, a machine tool plant, an automobile works, a brick works, a footwear factory, a locomotive repair plant and so on. Many of them underwent transformation into joint-stock companies.
The transport system is highly developed in this region. It's most represented by the railways. The network of motor transport is also rather wide.
The Chita Aviation Enterprise provides for passengers transportation, mail and express delivery in 31 districts of this region.
Chita is a town of students. It gives specialised training to young people in the Pedagogical University, the Technical University, the Academy of National Economy, the Medical academy and four branches of other higher education establishments.
There is a wide network of secondary schools in Chita. There are schools with extensive German, Chinese and English teaching. There are also music schools in Chita.
Sport is very popular with the citizens of Chita. The stadiums with well equipped sports grounds, tennis courts and swimming pools provide excellent opportunities for those who go in for sports.
Chita has played its role in the development of culture in Russia. There are several theatres, museums, studios in Chita.
The town has quite a number of sights worth seeing, including the Fine Arts Museum, the House of the Brothers Shumov, the Russian Army Officers' Club, the memorial Complex, the Naryshkina's House, Chita Orthodox Church and the Monument to Victims of Stalin's repressions. Besides there are numerous private shops, commercial banks and firms.
Video about Chita
