Ivanovo

City in western Russia and capital of Ivanovo oblast (region), population (1990) 482,000. Ivanovo, which lies on the River Uvod, a tributary of the Klyazma, some 240 km/150 mi northeast of Moscow, is renowned for its textile manufacturing. Other industries include chemical production and engineering.

Ivanovo dates from the 14th century; since the early 17th century it has been known as a commercial and manufacturing centre, though it remained a village until 1871. From the 1870s, it was a centre of the labour movement, and in 1905, during a major strike, it became the seat of the first Soviet of Workers' Deputies. It was one of the main strongholds of the Bolsheviks, both before 1917 and during the period of ‘proletarian dictatorship’ (1917–36).

Ivanovo

Oblast (region) in the western Russian Federation, northeast of Moscow; area 23,900 sq km/9,228 sq mi; population (1996) 1,266,000 (82% urban). The capital is Ivanovo, and other cities include Kineshma, Shuya, and Vichuga. The region is located in the northwest of the country and is low undulating plain with morainic hills, and is forested north of the Volga, with fertile arable land in the south, and a continental climate. Major industries include textile manufacture, engineering, traditional handicrafts (icons and lacquer boxes from Palekh). Agricultural goods include rye, oats, wheat, flax, potatoes, and other vegetables, and dairy products.