Kazan, the city on the Volga, is located 800 km away from Moscow in the easternmost European part of Russia. 1.2 million people from 115 ethnic groups live in the capital of the Autonomous Republic of Tatarstan.

Volgabulgarians founded Kazan over 1000 years ago. Today, it is one of the largest industrial, scientific and cultural centres of the Russian Federation. Compressors, measuring instruments, medical equipment, optical devices and aircraft are produced here. Kazan also offers a famous university, founded in 1804, 29 colleges with more than 100,000 students, three theatres, a state music conservatory and several museums.

The fascinating architectural mixture reflects the peaceful coexistence of the Muslim and Russian Orthodox population. The most beautiful example is the Kazan Kremlin, UNESCO World Heritage Site and seat of the government of Tatarstan. The “Peter and Paul Cathedral”, the temple of all religions and the picturesque surroundings on the banks of the Volga are also particularly worth seeing. Kasan's large harbour offers summer cruises on the Volga.

In surveys, Kazan has been voted Russia's most liveable city several times.