No other river in Russia, which would be played in the country's history as an important role.And no other does not enjoy such a great love of the Russians, as the Volga.It has long been identified with the Motherland, affectionately calling Mother Volga.It has always been a symbol of freedom and greatness of spirit.And how many of her people resigned songs and poems, tales and reality!
Volga is not only the longest river in Europe, it also is the longest in the world among flowing into inland water bodies.Its length from source to mouth is 3530 km, almost a thousand kilometers more than the Danube.Volga almost 3.5 times more than the Loire - the longest river in France.
Features
longest river in Europe, begins a small spring in the Valdai Hills in a small village of the Tver Volga-Upper.Crossing Upland, a thin stream of the Volga turns into a big stream.When he reached the foothills of the Ural Mountains, it turns to the south and the Caspian lowlands and it is important to calm its waters to the Caspian Sea, which also flows into the city of Astrakhan.
in the upper reaches of the longest river in Europe, connects several small lakes.The location of the source of Lake Volga to adjust the flow of water in 1843, the dam was built, which is still in effect today.The entire length of the Volga as it consists of three parts: the top - from the beginning to the confluence with the Oka, Medium - to the confluence of the Oka and Lower Kama - from the Kama River to the Caspian Sea.
Istok is located at an altitude of 228 meters, and the mouth is in a depression 28 meters below sea level.Basin area are larger than some European countries, and was 1.36 million km2.The river system includes more than 151 thousand watercourses.Volga has about 200 tributaries, while the left is much high water and numerous rights.
Volga and people
longest river in Europe - not only a symbol of Russia, but also an important waterway, serves an important economic function.From it has always been the benefit of the people living on the banks.
favorable geographical position facilitated the use of the river and its tributaries as a connecting thread between the East and the West.Even in the 13th century served as the Volga trade route roads in Europe, for which regularly brought eastern goods, including Arabic silver.In the Middle Ages it flourished on the Volga fishing, rafting forest.
Like magic thread, it binds to one necklace few dozen ancient cities, including Rzhev, Tver, Uglich, Nizhny Novgorod, Yaroslavl, Kazan, Kostroma, Samara, Astrakhan.
Due to man-made canals Volga gained access to the sea, the coast is washed by the European Russia.All the rivers in this part of the country merged into a single water system, the core of which was the longest river in Europe.
After the creation of the twentieth century grand Volga cascade of hydroelectric power stations of its economic importance has increased many times over.The river has become more navigable, now regularly sailing large ships carried up to the Tver.As it is transported half of all river cargo and passengers Russia.
