Petrozavodsk

Petrozavodsk: city administration building

Petrozavodsk, city and capital of Karelia, northwestern Russia, situated on the western shore of Lake Onega, south of the Shuya River outflow. The city was founded in 1703 by Peter I (the Great) as an ironworks to supply ordnance to his new capital of St. Petersburg. Its modern industries include engineering and timber working. The many scientific and educational establishments include a university, a teacher-training institute, and a branch of the Academy of Sciences. Pop. (2006 est.) 265,072.