Irkutsk << ihr KOOTSK >> (pop. 617,264) is a manufacturing, transportation, and cultural center in Russia. The city lies in southern Siberia on the Angara River, just west of Lake Baikal.
Economic activities of Irkutsk include engineering, and the production of clothing, construction materials, and food and wood products. Irkutsk is home to Irkutsk State University and a number of other institutes of higher learning.
Irkutsk was founded in the mid-1600’s as a military outpost and a wintering station for fur trappers and traders. The Trans-Siberian Railroad reached Irkutsk in 1898 and stimulated its growth.
