Regions of Russia - Lipetsk 101

Lipetsk is situated in the central European part of the country and almost 370 km south to Moscow. The region’s capital is Lipetsk city and according to historical and archaeological data, the land of the present-day Lipetsk region has been inhabited since the ancient times. In modern times, this region was created in 1954 and occupies an area of 24 thousand square km. The region shares its borders with the Voronezh, Oryol, Kursk, Tula, Tambov and Ryazan regions.

Population and climate

The region's population is estimated to be in excess of 1.1 million with more than 60% urban population and rest in rural areas. The region has Russian as its official language. Its largest cities, towns are capital city Lipetsk, Yelets and Gryazy. The climate in Lipetsk region is temperate, meaning cold winters but warm summers. January, in the cold weather, sees the average temperature down to -11°C. In July, when weather becomes warm, the temperature can rise up to + 20°C.

Economy

Lipetsk region is rich in mineral deposits. Up to nearly 300 deposits of different types of minerals are found in the Lipetsk region. These include limestone, sand, dolomite, clay and cement (raw materials).  It has the largest carbonate material deposits in Russia. Major deposits of peat are also found in the region. Not surprisingly, region’s biggest industries include the iron processing activities. Mechanical engineering is also a thriving industry in Lipetsk region. Energy sector makes an important part of this region’s economy. It has a power grid, many companies market petroleum products and the region has a system of consumer gas pipelines. The regions also has a thriving agricultural industry based on horticulture, crop cultivation and livestock farming.

Tourism

The most interesting place in Lipetsk region is a 121 years old, the world’s first hyperboloid construction in Polibino village. This tower is a latticework done in iron sheets and was constructed in 1896 by the renowned Russian scientist and engineer Vladimir Shukhov.

In the same village, one can also see an 18^th century palace built in the classic, empire style. For those interested in architecture, the city of Yelets presents many monuments including church and cathedrals. In Zadonsk , you can also visit  three monasteries that are still active.

The region also has two reserves for nature lovers. Russia’s smallest nature reserve “Galichya Mountain” and a segment of the Voronezh Reserve. An English Gothic style monument from the last stages of 19^th century, Borki Manor (Borki Castle) is another architectural monument worth visiting in Borki village (Terbunsky district).