Omsk is situated in the Southern part of Western Siberia. It is a major industrial, educational and cultural center with population of over 1 million people. Although the city now faces many ecological problems due to the uncontrolled concentration of industrial enterprises, there are many beautiful places: parks, pedestrian only streets and gardens.
The city was founded in 1716 as a fortress in the place where two rivers, Irtysh and Om' (Omka) meet. Almost 300 years later, the rivers still play an important role in the city's life. Irtysh is a very long, good navigational river. Factories and plants are able to use Irtysh as one of the modes of transportation of raw materials. Om' is a river of local importance: fishermen enjoy the river free of industrial use, and gardeners appreciate its quiet and picturesque banks.
