Novokuznetsk


Novokuznetsk is a city in Kemerovo Oblast in south-western Siberia, Russia. It is the second largest city in the oblast, after Kemerovo. It had a population of 547,904 as of the 2010 Census.
It was previously known as Kuznetsk until 1931, and as Stalinsk until 1961.

History

Founded in 1618 by men from Tomsk as a Cossack ostrog on the Tom River, it was initially called Kuznetsky ostrog. It became the seat of Kuznetsky Uyezd in 1622. Kuznetsk was granted town status in 1689. It was here that Fyodor Dostoevsky married his first wife, Maria Isayeva. Joseph Stalin's rapid industrialization of the Soviet Union transformed the sleepy town into a major coal mining and industrial center in the 1930s. It merged with Sad Gorod in 1931. In 1931–1932, the city was known as Novokuznetsk and between 1932–1961 as Stalinsk, after Stalin.

Climate

Novokuznetsk has a fairly typical southwest Siberian humid continental climate with warm summers during which most of the precipitation occurs, and severe, generally dry winters. Snowfall is very frequent during the winter, but its water content is generally very low due to the cold temperatures.

Administrative and municipal status

Within the framework of administrative divisions, Novokuznetsk serves as the administrative center of Novokuznetsky District, even though it is not a part of it. As an administrative division, it is incorporated separately as Novokuznetsk City Under Oblast Jurisdiction—an administrative unit with the status equal to that of the districts. As a municipal division, Novokuznetsk City Under Oblast Jurisdiction is incorporated as Novokuznetsky Urban Okrug.

City districts

Novokuznetsk is a heavily industrial city and is located in the heart of the Kuzbass region. Factories in the city include:
is an ice hockey team based in Novokuznetsk. Formerly a member of the Kontinental Hockey League, the team is currently a member of the Supreme Hockey League. The football team of the same name was recently promoted to the Russian first division below the premier.
RC Novokuznetsk compete in the Professional Rugby League, the highest division of rugby union in Russia.
Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky was born in Novokuznetsk and played his first four professional seasons with Metallurg Novokuznetsk.
Washington Capitals defenseman Dmitry Orlov was born in Novokuznetsk and started his career with Metallurg Novokuznetsk.

Transportation

The main airport is the Spichenkovo Airport. The city is also a major railway junction with both local and long distance trains. Local public transport is provided by trams, buses, and trolleybuses.

Twin towns and sister cities

Novokuznetsk is twinned with: