Volgograd (Russian: Волгогра́д; IPA: [vəlɡɐˈɡrat] ( listen)), formerly Tsaritsyn (Russian: Цари́цын (help·info)), 1589–1925, and Stalingrad (Russian: Сталингра́д (help·info)), 1925–1961, is an important industrial city and the administrative center of Volgograd Oblast, Russia. It is 80 kilometers (50 mi) long,[11] north to south and is situated on the western bank of the Volga River, after which the city was named. Population: 1,021,215 (2010 Census);[7] 1,011,417 (2002 Census);[12]1,022,578 (1989 Census).[13]
The city became famous for its resistance during the Battle of Stalingrad against the German Army in World War II. It is often regarded as the largest and bloodiest battle in the history of warfare.
