Ufa

Ufa (Уфа in Russian, pronounced oo-far), population 1.1 million (as of 2003), is the capital of Bashkortostan (or Bashkiria), a sovereign republic in central Russia. Geographical location 54° 45' North, 55° 58' East.

Ufa is the major industrial centre of the Urals, and is situated at the confluence of the Belaya and Ufa rivers. Industries include electrical and mining equipment, oil refining, petrochemicals, synthetic rubber, and processed foods. A fortress was built on the site in 1574, and the city was founded in 1586.