The Volga is the longest river in Europe. Flowing through Central Russia and into the Caspian Sea, it has a length of 3,531 km (2,194 mi) and a catchment area of 1,360,000 km2 (530,000 sq mi). It is also Europe's largest river in terms of discharge and drainage basin. It is widely regarded as the national river of Russia.

Due to its geographical situation the Volga played an important role in the movement of people between east and west (from Asia to Europe) as well as south and north. The old Russian state, the Russkiy Khaganate or Rus' Khaganate, arose around the Volga river. Historically, it was an important meeting place of Eurasian civilizations.

The river flows in Russia through forests, forest-steppes and steppes. Eleven of the twenty largest cities of Russia, including the capital, Moscow, are located in the Volga's drainage basin.

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