Kazan is the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation and a significant economic, industrial, scientific, educational, and cultural hub. Situated on the middle Volga River, it ranks among the largest ports along this major waterway. Covering an area of 425.3 square kilometers, Kazan has a population of 1,318,000 residents. Alongside Moscow and St. Petersburg, Kazan stands as one of Russia’s three historical and cultural capitals, earning it the nickname Russia’s Third Capital. The city has also established itself as a premier sports destination: it hosted the 2013 Summer Universiade, the 2015 World Aquatics Championships, and served as one of 11 host cities for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.