Sverdlovsk Oblast

This administrative division in the Russian Ural Federal District stretches across the eastern slopes of the middle and northern Ural mountains, covering forests, rivers and mineral deposits. The territory ranges from flat plains in the east to forested ridges in the west, crossed by numerous lakes and waterways.

The region was established as a Soviet administrative unit in the mid-1930s and quickly grew into a center of heavy industry. During World War II the government relocated many factories here, shaping the industrial character that remains today.

Communities here keep alive traditions of metalworking and lacquer painting with local patterns passed down through generations. Visitors encounter a mix of Russian folk customs and industrial working culture reflected in festivals, markets and regional dishes.

Travelers reach the area through the international airport at Yekaterinburg or by road and rail connections from other parts of Russia. The large territory typically requires several days to explore different towns and landscapes.

Archaeologists found the Shigir sculpture here, one of the oldest known wooden carvings in the world dating back over ten thousand years. This remarkable object shows geometric patterns and faces whose meaning remains a mystery.

Location: Russia

Inception: January 17, 1934

Capital city: Yekaterinburg

Part of: Ural Federal District

Shares border with: Perm Krai, Komi Republic, Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, Tyumen Oblast, Kurgan Oblast, Chelyabinsk Oblast, Bashkortostan, Alexandrovsky District

Website: http://midural.ru

GPS coordinates: 58.70000,61.33333

Latest update: December 12, 2025 19:44