Rostov-on-Don

Rostov-on-Don, or Rostov (pop. 1,025,000), important city in Russia, near the Sea of Azov on the Don River. Rostov-on-Don is known mainly for farm products, coal, and farm machinery. Founded in 1780, it is an active port and railway center, as well as an industrial city at the foot of the Caucasus Mountains. It is also the site of a World War II battle (1942) in which German forces defeated the Soviet army, until the city was retaken by the Soviets a year later.

See also: Russian Federation.