Yoshkar-Ola

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Yoshkar-Ola from space.

National theatre of the Mari El.

Yoshkar-Ola (Mari and Russian: Йошка́р-Ола́) is a city in Russia, capital of the Mari El Republic. Located at 56°38′N 47°52′E, it has a population of 281,165 (2002 Census) and is slowly being settled by people from neighbouring areas. It is served by Yoshkar-Ola Airport.

The name means red city in Mari. The early names were Tsaryovokokshaysk (during the Imperial period) and Krasnokokshaysk (during some years of Soviet rule before the city was renamed to Yoshkar-Ola). Early names were from the river Small Kokshaga, that the city is situated on.

During the Soviet era, especially post-WWII, the city was a regional industrial and transport center and grew to its current size. The collapse of the Soviet Union removed the artificial support for inefficient state enterprises, and led to the immediate shutdown of most manufacturing activity in the area. Much of the city's economic activity was supported by shuttle traders who would transport (often counterfeit) goods from the bustling markets of Moscow to Yoshkar-Ola's bazaars.

The sharp decline in living standards led to the emigration of specialized professionals to larger cities in Russia. The city experienced modest economic growth since (widespread tax evasion makes measurement of economic activity difficult at best), and has seen several new retail facilities open.

The city has a Strategic Rocket Forces base nearby.