CHERNIHIV

Russian Chernigov, or Cernigov, city and administrative centre of Chernihiv oblast (province), north-central Ukraine, on the Desna River, northeast of Kiev. Archaeology suggests a 7th-century origin, although Chernihiv was first mentioned in 907. It was one of the chief towns of Kievan Rus and the centre of a princedom. Its Spassky Cathedral dates from 1024. Chernihiv lost importance after the Tatar invasion (1239-40) and remained a minor provincial centre until modern times, when it developed as a railway junction. A large synthetic-fibre plant produces tire cord. Other industries produce pianos, foodstuffs, and consumer goods. Chernihiv has a teacher-training institute and a branch of the Kiev Polytechnic Institute. Pop. (1991 est.) 306,000. Russian Chernigov, or Cernigov, oblast (province), north-central Ukraine. It lies in the basin of the Desna River, in a low plain, largely covered by tracts of reed and grass marsh and by mixed forests of oak, pine, hornbeam, and maple. In the south around Pryluky, the terrain is drier and more open, and most of the rich chernozem soils are now farmed. The economy is mainly agricultural, and about half of the population is rural. Grain crops take up two-thirds of the arable area; sugar beets, tobacco, and corn (maize) are also important. The Nizhyn area is noted for its cucumbers and onions. In the northern section of the oblast, drainage has been undertaken; the reclaimed land is used for growing flax, hemp, rye, and potatoes. Most of the industry is concentrated in the city of Chernihiv, the oblast headquarters. The small towns process farm and forest products. Petroleum is extracted near Pryluky. Area 12,300 square miles (31,900 square km). Pop. (1991 est.) 1,398,000.