English Rostov-on-Don
City (pop., 2001 est.: 997,800), southern Russia in Europe.
Located on the Don River about 30 mi (50 km) from the Sea of Azov , it was founded as a customs post in 1749. It was fortified soon after, and, because of its key position as a transport centre and port, it grew steadily with the 19th-century Russian colonization. Occupied by the Germans in World War II, it suffered extensive damage but was rebuilt after the war. It is a transportation and industrial centre. The city's nodal location and the proximity of the Donets Basin have led to major industrial development, especially in engineering.