North-West
Population: 8,034,000. Biggest
city: St Petersburg (formerly Leningrad) (4,744,200).
Flying time from Moscow to St.Petersburg (the biggest city): under
1 hour.
Time difference from Moscow: none.
Urban population: 87%. Rural population: 13%.
Territory: 196,500 sq. km (somewhat smaller than Romania) Density:
41 persons/sq. km.
Climate zones: Mixed and coniferous forests.
Socio-economic indicators (1999 Duma Vote)
With its Baltic port and proximity to Finland, this region and its chief city St. Petersburg (formerly Leningrad) has always been a Russian window on the west. Its history is very different from that of Moscow and other parts of the Russian Federation. This is reflected in the positive outlook of many residents. The evaluation of the current economy is unusually high by Russian standards, and so to is the expectation of life improving. The region is also a magnet for student seeking higher education.
While nominal income
is well below the national average, to a significant extent this is compensated
by the fact that the likelihood being paid is well above the national average.
Moreover, those finding life bearable are also well above the national
average.
Administrative divisions:
City of St. Petersburg (formerly Leningrad)(Pop. 4,774,200) | Pskov Oblast (Pop.
827,000) Capital: Pskov (207,000) |
Leningrad Oblast(Pop.
1,677,200) Capital: St. Petersburg |
Novgorod Oblast (Pop.
738,500) Capital: Novgorod (241,000) |