Volgograd, located on the bank of the river Volga, is one of the largest cities in Russia, with a population of over 1 million people. The city of Volgograd was established more than 400 years ago primarily because of its location at the crossroads of both land- and water- ways. It has experienced three changes in its name during that time - first it was Tsaritsyn, then it was Stalingrad, and currently it is referred to as Volgograd - and was the site of one of the most significant & decisive battles of World War II. Volgograd, known worldwide as the setting for the Second World War's Stalingrad battle, is the gateway to southern Russia. Main industries in the region include chemical & petrochemical processing, metallurgicals, food processing, construction, and agriculture. The region is rich in valuable natural resource. Volgograd claims to be the world's longest, thinnest city. It stretches nearly 100 kilometers along the Volga River, but is often no more than 5 kilometers wide. Modern Volgograd is one of the most beautiful cities of Russia. According to general plan of 1945 it has kept historically usual linear system of a lay-out, and the coastal part was exempted from industrial constructions, warehouses etc. Volgograd boasts a rich cultural and historical heritage which is celebrated in the city's cultural foundations.