Rostov-on-Don, also called Rostov (pop. 1,142,162), is a manufacturing and trading center in southwest Russia. Called Rostov-na-Donu in Russian, the city lies on the Don River, 25 miles (40 kilometers) from the Sea of Azov. Rostov is sometimes called the Gateway to the Caucasus because of its position on the main trade route between Europe and the Caucasus (see Caucasus). Rostov’s products include farm machinery and military equipment.
Rostov was founded in 1749. It developed into a trading center in the 1800’s. Germany captured and occupied Rostov during World War II (1939-1945), and the fighting damaged much of the city.
