Novi Sad, << NAW vee SAHD >> (pop. 260,438), is a center of manufacturing and transportation in Serbia. It is one of the largest cities in Serbia. The municipality of Novi Sad has a population of 368,967. A municipality may include rural areas as well as the urban center. Novi Sad lies about 45 miles (72 kilometers) northwest of Belgrade.
The Danube River and the Mali Backi Canal meet at Novi Sad. The canal forms part of a system of waterways that links the Danube and Tisa rivers. Novi Sad also lies on the main highway and railroad between Belgrade and Budapest, Hungary. The city produces electrochemical equipment and processed foods. It is the home of the University of Novi Sad.
Novi Sad was founded in the early 1690’s as the headquarters of the Serbian Orthodox Church. It grew as a trade center for the nearby farm area. A boom began in Novi Sad during the 1960’s after petroleum and natural gas were found near the city.
