In the Land of Siberian Pine

 Tomsk region is situated in the South-Eastern part of West Siberian plain in the middle part of Ob river. The region is a constituent territory of Russian Federation and included into Siberian Federal Okrug. The region has area 316.9 thousand square kilometers. Population of the region on the January 1^st of 2009 is 1038.5 thousand of which 705.5 thousand lives in cities. Population of the region on the January 1^st of 2009 is 1038.5 thousand of which 705.5 thousand lives in cities. The population of the region includes ethnic groups 22 of which are 22 nationalities of North.

The overage temperature in May is 8,4⁰C. Time zone: Moscow +3 hours GMT +6

Telephone code: +7 382 2 (** ** **).

Cellular operators MTS, Byline, Megaphon, TELE2

Tomsk was founded in 1604 to the decree of tsar Boris Godunov. In 1708 Tomsk was included into Siberian province with the centre in the city of Tobolsk and became chief town of uezd (administrative unit in Russian Empire). The further development of the city of was noticeably influenced by the Siberian Highway which in 18^th century connected the central part of Russia and China. In the city of Tomsk and in the Tomsk uezd was known for its trade, blacksmith's work, carrier’s trade, stores and coaching inns.

In 1804 to the degree of emperor Alexander I the city of Tomsk became a centre of spacious Tomsk province which included territories of modern Altai district, Novosibirsk, Kemerovo, East Kazakhstan, Tomsk regions and part of Kasnojarsk krai. That time in Tomsk educational institutions, hospitals, asylums and post office were established. In 1830 the first Public library was opened.

Rapid economic development of Siberia and activities of political exiles caused an active social and political life in the region. Tomsk became a centre of the so called “Oblastichestvo” a social and political movement which insisted on use of rich natural resources of Siberia not only for the centre of Empire, but also for needs of Siberia itself.

In the end of 19^th century Tomsk became one of the ten largest educational centers of Russia. In 1888 the first University in the Ural region was opened. In the 1900 technological institute was established and in 1910 high courses for women. This and a large number of schools in the city caused the informal name of “Siberian Athens”.

 After the revolution of 1917 Tomsk was included into Siberian, later West Siberian Krai. August 13^th 1944 according to the decree of Supreme Soviet of the Soviet Union Tomsk region was formed by segregation of several areas from Novosibirsk region and former Narymsk okrug.

After the Second World War Tomsk became known in the world center of nuclear physic research. On the North of region the exploitation of the deposits of oil and gas started.

At the moment mechanical engineering and metalworking industry also instrument making industry oil industry and forestry are important branches of economy. Agricultural lands covered 5% of the territory of the region. Cattle breeding, fur trade and fur farming are also developed.     

Tomsk is mostly known in Russia and abroad for its scientific educational complex. The six high educational institutions of the city keep high positions in key directions’ ratings of Ministry of Education of Russia.   

Among scientific research organisations there are research centres of Russian Academy of Sciences, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences and 19 institutions of applied researches. At the moment the number of high skilled reseachers in the city of Tomsk is greatest in Russia.

Tomsk is also known for its oldest in Ural region botanical garden. There are art museum, museum of local history, theatres, sportive stadia and network of libraries.

In 1991 the city got a status of historical city. The area of state protection mostly known for monument of wooden architecture is of 950 hectares.

Relief of the region is exclusively plain. Large part of territory is covered with forests and marshes. There are a lot of rivers and lakes.

Fauna of the region is represented by 28 species of wild animals, 40 species of birds and 33 species of fishes. The territories of preservation include 16 closed woods 144 regional reservations. The climate of the regions is continental – the long and cold winter and short and warm summer.