Northwest Contrast - St. Petersburg and Vologda

Northwest Contrast - St. Petersburg and Vologda

Introduction

The northwest region of Russia has always been well regarded for its favorable geographical location. The northwest landscape of Russia shares borders with various well-developed European countries making it a gateway for Russian-European trade and enhancing the potential for economic expansion and industrial growth. The video “Northwest Contrast - St. Petersburg and Vologda” includes two case studies related with the geographical patterns and significance of Northwest Russia named as 'St. Petersburg: Russia's Window on the West' and 'Vologda: Russian Farming in Flux'. The video actually reveals the problems being faced and consequent solutions being considered by the Russian people since the dissolution of Soviet Union.

The Historical Geography of Region

St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg was established by Peter the Great in 1703 on the land featured with the fusion of low-lying Delta of Neva River with Gulf of Finland (Blinnikov, 2010). St. Petersburg was constructed with great focus on providing Russia a “window on Europe” to exploit this enormous seaport for acquainting Russia with an exposure to rest of the Europe (Dudarev, 2004). Later on, St. Petersburg's name was changed to Leningrad and Moscow replaced it as new capital of Russia in 1712 under communist revolution but it got its original name back in 1991 (The power of Place).

The outstanding location of St. Petersburg has been intensely beneficial to Russia

because of its proximity to European markets, industrial arena and cultural centers (Dudarev, 2004). But the communism and isolationism hampered the city's economic strength as port city. After a consistent struggle against the political and economic changes caused by communism, St. Petersburg is now the fourth most populous city of Europe (The power of Place).

Vologda

Vologda is another essential location in Northwest Russia bordering the boreal forest zone (The power of Place). Vologda is located near the Vologda River that has been greatly contributing towards its recognition as major transport hub of the Russia (Blinnikov, 2010).

The geographical setting of Vologda is far north of the Russia's well known area “black earth zone” comprising on exceptional soils (Dudarev, 2004). The proximity to north and unfavorable soils really curbs down the productivity of Vologda's lands. Moreover, Vologda geographical position in Northwest Russia has been isolated and rural (The power of Place). A great number of social and political transformations that have been striking Northwest Russia after the collapse of Soviet Union have ...