The Leningrad Region 
was established on August 1, 1927. Located in the North-West of the Russian Federation, it covers the area of 85 900 km² and shares borders with Finland and Estonia, and also neighboring with five other administrative regions of the Russian Federation: Novgorod, Pskov, Vologda, Karelia and St. Petersburg. The Leningrad Region is an administrative unit of the Russian Federation consisting of 17 municipalities with 62 urbanized and 142 rural communities and one municipal district.
Climate of the Region is moderate-continental, humid. Average temperature in January: -8,2 Cº; July: +17 Cº.
The variety of natural landscapes of the Leningrad Region impress with its shores of the Vyborg gulf and northe Ladoga, huge marshes on southe coast, mountain valleys with granite boulders on the Karelian isthmus, canyons of the rivers and waterfalls, as well as plains with hilly heights to the South of the Neva river. Leningrad Region possesses the following mineral resources: bauxite, clay, phosphorite, schist, granite, limestone, sand, oil shale, peat. Among these bauxites, combustible slates and phosphorites have the greatest industrial value. The region has significant timber resources with forests covering 55,5% of the territory.
The regions convenient maritime location and its merchant marine ports at Primorsk, Vyborg, Vysotsk and Ust-Luga are conducive to inte ational trade тАУ both import and export. The Leningrad Region geography naturally positions it as a major transportation junction and transit hub for cargo flows between European Russia, Northe , Weste and Southe Europe and Asia. The regionтАЩs potential for further growth is bolstered by its advanced sea, river and railway transportation facilities, airports, roads and pipelines. The total length of ways is: Highways
Thanks to the unique landscape and more than 3500 architectural and historical monuments, numerous recreational areas have been established and there is a well-organized tourist infrastructure. Some of the most important landmarks are Staraya Ladoga, the earliest capital of Russia, now a historical and archeological preserve; the Ivangorod Fortress on Mount Devichya, dating back to the 15th century; Russian historical fortification at Koporye, Schliesselburg, Priozersk and some other communities; the palaces and parks of Gatchina, most notably the 18th-century earthen Priory Palace, the Mon Repos park in Vyborg; etc. At present in the region there are several successful cultural and activity programs aimed at the strengthening of the inte ational cultural cooperation, and the enhancement of participation in the restoration of monuments of culture and architecture within the framework of the Federal investment program "Small Historical Cities".
