Rostov-on-Don is the capital of the Don area. It was founded in 1749. It is situated on the right bank of the river Don.
In the past Rostov was a small town with small population. But now the territory of Rostov-on-Don is 380 square kilometres and the population is more than one million people.
This city is a big industrial,scientific and cultural centre in the South of Russia. The plant "Rostselmash" is known not only in Russia but abroad as well. The largest scientific and educational establishment is the Rostov State University, which was founded in 1915 and now has more then ten faculties.
In Rostov there are four theatres: Gorky Drama Theatre, Musical Comedy, Puppet Show, Theatre of Young Spectators. The Gorky Theatre is surrounded by a large park named after the October Revolution. It is one of many parks and gardens which make Rostov a green town and where Rostovites like to walk on a nice sunny day.
During the Second World War Rostov-on-Don was occupied twice (1941 and 1942). The war cost Rostovites huge losses in life. That is why in the city there are a lot of monuments devoted to the war years and people who gave their lives for the peaceful life.
Rostov-on-Don is a large transport centre. It is not only a big knot of railways and airways but it is also the port of five seas (the Baltic, the White,the Caspian,the Black and the Sea of Asov).
