Novosibirsk (city)

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Capital city, economic and cultural centre of Novosibirsk oblast (region) in southwestern Siberia, Russian Federation; population (2002) 1,428,500. Sited on the River Ob and the Trans-Siberian Railway, it is the largest city in Siberia and one of the main industrial centres of the Russian Federation. It is at the hub of an extensive transport network; the Turksib (Turkestan–Siberian) Railway runs from here to Almaty, former capital of Kazakhstan. Novosibirsk has large engineering industries and varied light and food industries. Since the collapse of communism in 1991, there has been considerable development of financial, business, and other services.

Novosibirsk was founded in 1893 at a crossing constructed for the Trans-Siberian Railway over the River Ob. Its development as an industrial and scientific centre dates from the 1930s. During World War II, many industries were evacuated here from the western regions of the Soviet Union. Among the goods manufactured here are chemicals, textiles, and mining machinery.

White stands for peace. The shield and weapons express a willingness to defend the country. Green symbolizes plenty. Blue represents rain. Effective date: 20 January 1987. >>