Andreapol

Andreapol ( _ru. Андреа́поль) is a town in Tver Oblast, Russia, located in the upper reaches of the Western Dvina River. Andreapol is an administrative center of Andreapolsky District. Andreapol lies 550 km west of Moscow, in Western Russia, on the Valdai Hills. It is home to Andreapol air base, an important interceptor aircraft base guarding Moscow.

The village of Dubna opposite Andreapol was first mentioned in chronicles in 1489. The town itself goes back to 1907, when a rail line reached this district and a railway station was opened. During WWII the station and district were occupied by the Germans troops (Autumn 1941 — Winter 1942). Andreapol was granted the town status in 1967.

Forests cover around 70 % of Andreapolsky district. As a result of that logging industry provides substantial revenue for the town. There is large saw-mill plant in Andreapol. Another industry which plays a fundamentally important role in the life of the local community is agriculture. Also a porcelain production exists in Andreapol .

The population is estimated at 9,317 (2002 Census); 9,610 (1989 Census); 12,000 (1968). The number of residents has been considerably declined in recent decades.

External links

* [http://www.andreapol.ru/news.php Official website] . Retrieved 3 August, 2006.
* [http://www.travellerinfo.net/content/view/12/26/ Travel to Andreapol ] . Retrieved June 12 2006.