Ridder, Kazakhstan

Ridder (Kazakh and Russian: Риддер), formerly known as Leninogorsk (Russian: Лениногорск, 1941-2002) is a city in the East Kazakhstan Province in north-eastern Kazakhstan. As of 2006^[update], it has a population of 51,975.

Ridder is located at north-east of the region's capital, Oskemen. Its surroundings are dominated by the foothills of the Altay Mountains.

History

Ridder was founded in 1786, receiving the rights of a town in 1934. Until 1941 it carried its present name, named after Philip Ridder who discovered the local ore deposits. In 1941 the town was renamed Leninogorsk, in 2002 it once more received its old name of Ridder.^[1]

Economy

Ridder is a center of mining operations and processing of nonferrous metals. Other branches of industry include wood and textile industry, food production, and mechanical engineering.

Transport

The European route E40, originating in Calais, France, has its eastern terminus in Ridder. Over 8,000 kilometres (5,000 mi) long, it is the longest European route.

Points of interest

Points of interest include a local museum and a botanical garden.

References

External links

• Photos of Ridder
• Statistical information (Russian)