Rostov-on-Don is the largest city in the south western part of the Russian Federation with a population of over one million people. The city is the administrative centre of the Rostov Region which is made up of 23 cities. Rostov is the most industrialized city in the region, but it is also the most important cultural centre of the northern Caucasia boasting a large number of universities, colleges, architectural monuments and museums.

The Rostov Region is known as the Russian ‘Gateway’ to the Black Sea and it has a well developed transport infrastructure which includes waterways, railways, roads and Rostov International airport. The region’s ports specialise in handling mineral and construction materials and container cargoes. The development of the economy is helped by the rich natural resources with eighty per cent of the region’s output related to fuel and energy.

Being situated very close to the old Cossack capital (Starocherkassk until 1805) and the new capital of the Don Cossack region (NovocherKassk), Rostov is today very much the focus for the revival of the Don Cossack culture. Rostov’s tourist chiefs have become aware of the increasing interest in the fascinating history of the Cossacks. The city itself now boasts an increasing number of very good restaurants which cater to all tastes and there is even a city beach on the left bank of the river Don.