SALEKHARD

also spelled Salechard, formerly (until 1933) Obdorsk city and administrative centre of Yamalo-Nenets autonomous okrug (district), Tyumen oblast (province), Russia, in northwestern Siberia. It lies on the Poluy River at its entrance to the Ob River. Salekhard was founded in 1595 and became a city in 1938. Fish canning and sawmilling reflect the regional economy. It is also a base for the northern gas fields of western Siberia. Teacher-training and medical colleges are located in the city. Pop. (1991 est.) 31,600.