Penza, city, capital of Penza Oblast is the administrative, cultural and industrial center of    Penza region, located in central European Russia, on the Sura River. It is a railroad junction.   Penza was founded as a fortress in 1663 (1596 according to new data). Located in a belt of  fertile black-earth soil, it grew as a trade center in the 18th century.

      The city has technical and pedagogical universities. Light and woodworking industries are well developed in Penza. Manufactures include diesel, compressor, timepieces, as well as business machines, farm equipment, and bicycles. Among the places to see are the 18th century Cathedral of Peter and Paul; the Spaso-Preobrazhenskiy monastery, built in the 18th-19th centuries; an art gallery; and the Museum of One Picture.

Penza

City area
 282, 89 sq. km

Oblast area
43,200 sq.km. (16,680 sq. miles)

City Population
534,600 (1996 estimate)

Oblast population
1,562,000 (1996 estimate)

Sura River
river in west-central Russia, a tributary of the Volga River.

Region
Povolzhie (middle Volga region) in central European Russia

Vegetation
forest-steppe, pine or oak forest

City telephone code
8412

Time Zone
Moscow time (GMT + 03:00) 

check Penza local time
Location - 53°14'N - 45°02'E

Distance from Moscow
 - 600 km. (about 400 miles)

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