The Volga is the longest river in Europe. Flowing through Central Russia to Southern Russia and into the Caspian Sea, it has a length of 3,531 km and a catchment area of 1,360,000 sq. km.

It is also Europe's largest river in terms of discharge and drainage basin and is widely regarded as the national river of Russia.

The old Russian state, the Rus' Khaganate, arose around the Volga river and historically, it was an important meeting place of Eurasian civilizations.

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

Some of the largest reservoirs in the world are located along the Volga. The river has a symbolic meaning in Russian culture and is often referred to as Mother Volga in Russian literature and folklore.