Irkutsk

Location

Irkutsk is the capital of the Irkutsk region. It is located at the confluence of the Angara and Irkut rivers, in Southern Siberian Russia.

Population

approx. 630,000 (est 1990)

Economic Activity

The city of Irkutsk is the site of a major port, a hydroelectric dam (the Irkutsk dam), and a major stop on the Trans Siberian Rail Road, making it one of Russia's industrial centers. The city has facilities for extensive manufacturing, and is engaged in the manufacturing of aircraft, automobiles, machine tools, textiles, chemicals, food products, and various metals.

Overview

Irkutsk was founded in 1654 as a fortress for the Cossacks. In 1822 it became the capital of Eastern Siberia, and has played the role as a place of exile since the 18th century. A considerable number of the Decembrists settled in Irkutsk after their imprisonment, and a brisk tourist industry centers around a few of the Decembrist houses that still remain that been open to the public. The city also boasts of a university, medical and technical schools, and several agricultural schools.