Pavlodar

Town and capital of Pavlodar oblast (region), northeastern Kazakhstan, 320 km/199 mi northwest of Semey; population (2001 est) 300,000. Pavlodar is situated on the Irtysh (Ertis) River. It has important manufacturing industries (producing chemicals, aluminium, ships, and ferro-concrete goods). Oil is also refined here. Hydroelectric generation supplies the power for the city's heavy industry.

Pavlodar was founded as a Russian garrison town in the 18th century. In the Soviet period, it was heavily industrialized, and was a closed city to foreign visitors until 1992.

Pavlodar

Oblast (region) in northeastern Kazakhstan; area 127,500 sq km/49,228 sq mi; population (1996) 951,000. The capital is Pavlodar. Coal is mined, and oil and gas extracted. There are engineering, chemical, and food industries; wheat and millet are cultivated.

The region is located on both sides of the Irtysh River, and borders on the Russian Federation to the north and east. There are rich mineral deposits of coal, bauxite, molybdenum, copper, oil, and gold. Hydroelectric power is generated. The region is crossed by the South Siberian railway. Cities in the oblast include Yermak and Ekibastuz.