The Volga River

The Volga River is the longest river in Europe, stretching about 2,300 miles primarily through western Russia. It flows from the Valdai Hills northwest of Moscow, heading southeast to the Caspian Sea. The river is vital for transportation, irrigation, and hydroelectric power, supporting agriculture and industry along its banks. It has historically been a key route for trade and cultural exchange in Russia, earning the nickname "Mother Volga." Its basin covers a large part of European Russia, making it central to the region’s ecology, economy, and history.