Volga River

The Volga River is Europe’s largest river and it flows through the west of Russia and recognized as the national river of Russia. Its length measures 3530 km. The river is used for flood control, transportation, power production and irrigation. The river also plays a major role in the day to day life of the Russian people earning it the name “Mother Volga”.

The Volga River is the largest on the European continent and a major water sources to Russia. It covers about two-fifths area in Russia and its massive size makes it one of the historic and greatest rivers in the world.

The river originates in the Valdai Hills and it slowly drops to a height of 748 meters. The river also receives water from 200 tributaries. It also mixes with 151,000 rivers and a number of streams together all these measure about 357,000 miles.

The Volga River has a series of reservoirs and dams. The reservoir are used as navigation locks and hydroelectric power stations. Among them the Ivankovo reservoir is located at the top that covers an area of about 126 square miles.

The river has also been expanded for navigation purposes at the time of Stalin’s industrialization. Shipping from here is done to a number of places in Russia and the river is also connected with Black Sea and Don River.

The river valley also provides massive quantities of wheat and a number of minerals such as petroleum, natural gas, potash and salt. The Volga River also features a number of holiday destinations, some of these places provide activities such as water sports and fishing.