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Donetsk (Ukrainian: Донецьк, Donec'k; Russian: Доне́цк, Doneck; former names: Aleksandrovka, Hughesovka, Yuzovka, Stalino) is an industrial city in Ukraine on the Kalmius River. In 2016, the population was 1,319,719 in the city, and nearly 2,900,000 in the metropolitan area. According to the 2001 Ukrainian Census, Donetsk was the fifth-largest city in Ukraine.

Administratively, it has been the center of Donetsk Oblast, while historically, it is the unofficial capital and largest city of the larger economic and cultural Donets Basin (Donbass) region. Donetsk is adjacent to another major city of Makiivka and along with other surrounding cities forms a major urban sprawl and conurbation in the region. Donetsk has been a major economic, industrial and scientific center of Ukraine with a high concentration of companies and a skilled workforce.

The original settlement in the south of the European part of the Russian Empire was first mentioned as Aleksandrovka in 1779, under the Russian Empress Catherine the Great. In 1869, Welsh businessman, John Hughes, built a steel plant and several coal mines in the region; the town was named Yuzovka (Юзовка) in recognition of his role ("Yuz" being a Russian-language approximation of Hughes). During Soviet times, the city's steel industry was expanded. In 1924, it was renamed Stalino, and in 1932 the city became the center of the Donetsk region. Renamed Donetsk in 1961, the city today remains the center for coal mining and steel industry.

Geography[]

Donetsk lies in the steppe landscape of Ukraine, surrounded by scattered woodland, hills (spoil tips), rivers and lakes. The northern outskirts are mainly used for agriculture. The Kalmius River links the city with the Sea of Azov, which is 59 miles (94.95 kilometers) to the south, and a popular recreational area for those living in Donetsk. A wide belt of farmlands surrounds the city.

The city stretches 17 miles (27.36 kilometers) from north to south and 34 miles (54.72 kilometers) from east to west. There are 2 nearby reservoirs: Nyzhnekalmius (60 ha), and the "Donetsk Sea" (206 ha). 5 rivers flow through the city, including the Kalmius, Asmolivka (13 kilometers), Cherepashkyna (23 kilometers), Skomoroshka and Bakhmutka. The city also contains a total of 125 spoil tips.

Climate[]

Donetsk's climate is moderate continental (Köppen: Dfb). The average temperatures are−4.1 °C (25 °F) in January and 21.6 °C (71 °F) in July. The average number of rainfall per year totals 162 days and up to 556 millimetres per year.

Sister/Twin Cities[]

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