Kurgan, Kurgan Oblast

Kurgan () is the largest city and the administrative center (capital city) of Kurgan Oblast. It is in the south of the Urals Federal District of Russia. Population: 309,285 (2021 Census), 

Kurgan was named Tsaryovo Gorodishche until 1782.

 History 
The city was settled between 1659 and 1662 as Tsaryovo Gorodishche (, meaning Imperial Citadel). It was used as a fortress town against attacks from nomads. It was given city status by Catherine the Great in 1782 as Kurgan. Its present name came from a large kurgan (burial mound) close to the city.

 Economy and military 
Kurgan is on the Trans-Siberian Railway line, between Yekaterinburg and Omsk. It has two railway stations and the Kurgan Airport. It was home to the Kurgan West air base during the Cold War. It is also home to Russian Ilizarov Scientific Center for Restorative Traumatology and Orthopaedics, KAvZ autobus plant, and the machine building company Kurganmashzavod which produces the widely known BMP-1, BMP-2 and BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles.

 Climate 
Kurgan has a humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification Dfb). It has cold winters and warm summers.

 Gallery 

 International relations 

 Twin towns and sister cities 
Kurgan is twinned with:

  Appleton, United States
  Rufina, Italy

 References 

 Other websites 

 Official website of Kurgan 
 Kurgan news portal 
 Cultural heritage of Kurgan 

Category:Capitals of oblasts of Russia