Kirov, Kirov Oblast

Kirov (, ), formerly known as Vyatka () until 1934 and as Khlynov () from 1457 to 1780, is the largest city and administrative center of Kirov Oblast, Russia. It is situated on the Vyatka River in European Russia, northeast of Moscow. Its population was 468,212 in 2021, up to roughly 750 thousand residents in the urban agglomeration.

The city was founded in 1374 (according to other sources in 1181). It was the center of Vyatka Land, which was settled by Russians during the Middle Ages. It was renamed ''Kirov'' after the Bolshevik politician Sergei Kirov in 1934, even though he never visited the city.

It is an important economic, transportation, industrial, educational and cultural center in Volga-Vyatka region. It is also home to the many Russian folk crafts, such as Dymkovo toys, vyatka lace and carving on a capa-root. In the historic part of the city there are many universities, theaters, museums and churches. Provided by Wikipedia