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Lipetsk

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Lipetsk is a significant city located in the Lipetsk Oblast of Russia. It serves as the administrative center for both the oblast and the Lipetsky District. The city sits on the banks of the Voronezh River. This river is part of the larger Don basin. Geographically, the city is positioned southeast of Moscow. The name Lipetsk is thought to mean "Linden city."

Памятник петру первому ( Липецк )
Памятник петру первому ( Липецк )

The history of the area includes very old roots and significant changes. In 1284, the city was destroyed by the Mongols. However, the foundation of the modern city began in 1703. Peter the Great ordered the construction of a cast iron factory there. This factory was built near iron ore deposits to produce artillery shells. On September 27, 1779, Lipetsk was officially granted town status. It later became a principal town within the Tambov Governorate.

During the 20th century, Lipetsk played a secretive role in military history. Between 1922 and 1933, a unique military arrangement existed near the city. The German Army, known as the Reichswehr, contracted with Soviet authorities. They operated a clandestine military aviation base and a testing facility. This allowed the two powers to collaborate on technical aviation matters. This activity helped them circumvent the prohibitions of the Versailles Treaty. The secret base allowed work to happen away from the eyes of other European victors of World War I.

Today, the economy of Lipetsk is driven by heavy industry. Most of these industrial sites are located south of the Voronezh River. Ferrous metallurgy is a principal industry in the region. Other major sectors include machinery, metalworking, chemicals, and food production. A major employer is Novolipetsk Steel, also known as NLMK. This company was privatized in 1992. In 2005, NLMK had approximately 48,000 employees. The company also had an export ratio of 64%. In 2008, the company's revenue reached $11.7 billion.

Many other specialized factories contribute to the local economy. The city hosts the "Svobodny Sokol" metallurgical plant. It also contains the LTZ tractor factory. The Liboil solvent-extraction plant is a major producer of rapeseed oil. It is the largest producer in the Central Federal District and the second largest in Russia. Other facilities produce pipes, refrigerators, household appliances, and ice.

MARZ in Lipetsk
MARZ in Lipetsk

Lipetsk is also recognized for its health and educational institutions. It is home to one of the oldest balneological resorts in Russia. This resort first opened in 1805 and focuses on mud baths. The facility uses peat mud and chalybeate bicarbonate calcic springs to treat patients. Doctors also use sulphate and chloride sodium water for therapeutic baths and drinking. For higher education, the city offers the Lipetsk State Technical University and the Lipetsk State Pedagogical University.

Lipetsk dramteatr
Lipetsk dramteatr

Transportation and military infrastructure are also vital to the city. A railway connection to Moscow has existed since 1868. Local travel is managed via trams, trolleybuses, and buses. In 2013, the municipality sought to renovate the tramway network. They negotiated a 10-year loan of RUR 30 billion from the European Bank of Reconstruction & Development. To the north of the town lies the Lipetsk air base. This site houses the 4th Center of Combat Application and Conversion of Frontline Aviation. The city is also served by the smaller Lipetsk Airport.

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File:Памятник петру первому ( Липецк ).JPG
Памятник петру первому ( Липецк ).JPG
File:MARZ in Lipetsk.JPG
MARZ in Lipetsk.JPG
File:Lipetsk dramteatr.JPG
Lipetsk dramteatr.JPG
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