Ryazan

Oblast (region) in the western Russian Federation, southeast of Moscow; area 39,600 sq km/15,290 sq mi; population (1996) 1,325,000 (68% urban). Industries include engineering, food processing, and metalworking. Grain and potatoes are grown, and horticulture and dairy farming are widespread.

The region contains parts of the Meshchera lowlands in the north and the Oka-Don plain in the south. It is covered partly with mixed forest, and partly with wooded steppe vegetation. Cities include Ryazan.

The Ryazan region formed part of the medieval Chernihiv and Murom-Ryazan principalities. It was independent from the middle of the 12th century, and was absorbed by Muscovy in 1521.