Bryansk region overview
Bryansk oblast (region) (also spelled Bryanskaya) is a federal subject of the Russian Federation, part of Central Federal District, located west of Moscow on Russian border with Ukraine and Belarus. The administrative center and capital city of the region is Bryansk.
Bryansk region population is about 1,254,000 (2012); land area - 34,857 sq. km.
Bryansk region facts
The largest cities and towns are Bryansk (413,000), Klintsy (65,000), Novozybkov (42,000), Dyatkovo (33,000), Unecha (27,000).
About one forth of Bryansk region area is covered with various types of forests. Main industries are machine building and metal-working.
Bryansk region history
Various Slavic tribes (Severyane, Vyatichy) inhabited the territory of present Bryansk region from ancient times. Bryansk Principality was founded in 1246. From 1354, Bryansk lands were under control of Lithuania and later Poland.
In 1503, according to treaty Bryansk region became the part of Moscow state and the front line of wars with Lithuania, Poland and Crimea.
In the 18th century, first factories appeared in Bryansk region. Before the revolution of 1917, it was called Bryansk guberniya and had the same boundaries.
During the World War II, Bryansk region after being captured by Germans was known for its high resistance to invaders (about 60,000 partisans were fighting in vast forests of the region).