The area Balashovsky is located in the western part of Saratov areas. It is a steppe zone within the limits of Îêñêî-Donetsk plain, with typical chernozems (the fertile soils of area). The area - 2,7 thousand sq. km. The population - 131,1 thousand person, from them in. Áàëàøîâå - 96,3 thousand. In territory of area there are 60 villages and settlements. One of the largest economic regions of area. The industry is submitted by 23 enterprises: mechanical engineering and metal working, easy and food, ìóêîìîëüíî-êðóïÿíàÿ and êîìáèêîðìîâàÿ the industry, manufacture of building materials. Áàëàøîâ - a large railway junction. The biggest enterprises: Open Society " Áàëòåêñ ", Open Society " Meat-packing combine " Áàëàøîâñêèé ", Open Society " Trailer ", Open Society " Combine of bakeries ", a sugar factory. 24 companies and 293 country (farmer) facilities(economy) are engaged in an agricultural production. Specialization - çåðíîâî-ìàñëè÷íî-æèâîòíîâîä÷åñêàÿ, with significant crops of sugar beet. The branch of the Saratov state university, branch of the Saratov technical university, musical and medical schools, children's art school and school of arts, 4 technical schools operate. Áàëàøîâ (since 1780 district city) - the fourth on economic potential the city of area, is on ð. Khoper in unit of the major iron and highways.